Students across the district are screened for vision or hearing concerns according to the Minnesota Department of Health recommendations. Parents and teachers may also request that a student be screened if any concerns about a child’s ability to hear or see adequately are identified.  If you do not want your child screened, a parent or guardian may “opt-out” by contacting the school nurse. 

Hearing and vision screening is completed in grades: 01, 03, 05 and 07.  Boys in Kindergarten are also screened for color blindness.   If concerns are identified, a letter will be sent home with the student that provides information that can be shared with the child’s doctor.   Follow-up testing by the appropriate healthcare provider is important.  Untreated vision or hearing deficits can have a negative impact on a child’s health and academic success.

It is a state mandate that parents who would like to enroll their child in kindergarten must have their child complete the Early Childhood Screening unless parents have provided written documentation that they are conscientious objectors to screening. Families are encouraged to have their child screened between the ages of 3 and 4. Interpreters are provided, free of charge, for families with home languages other than English.  Pearson Early Learning Center is currently offering screening appointments.  You can find more information on our Early Childhood Screening page.