Each week the Sheldon staff reviews one of our Head Start Policies & Procedures and felt it was important that families stay up to date on these as well. This quarter our focus is on Health & Safety, and Nutrition. If you ever have any questions regarding our policies and procedures, please reach out!
Vision Screening
POLICY:
Every child enrolled in the Head Start Program will have a vision screening completed within 45 calendar days of enrollment. This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR Part 1302.42 and 1302.33.
PROCEDURE:
1. Trained Head Start staff will conduct a vision screening on all children within 45 calendar days of enrollment.
2. Staff will review health information that the parent brings in to see if a new vision exam has been obtained after the last day of the previous school year. If the child did in fact have a vision exam after the last day in the previous school year, the staff vision screening will not be required.
3. Vision screening - SPOT Camera
- Trained staff can perform the vision screening using the Spot Camera.
- The camera will generate a result with either a passing result (Screening Complete) or a fail (Complete Eye Exam Recommended). If Complete Eye Exam is recommended, follow-up immediately. If failed again, refer to local eye care professional. Fill out Eye Exam form.
- Notify parent/guardian test results.
Hearing Screening
POLICY:
All Head Start enrolled children will receive a yearly audiometric (hearing) screening within 45 calendar days of the child’s first day of attendance. This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR Part 1302.42 and 1302.33.
PROCEDURE:
1. Hearing/audiometric screening will be conducted annually during scheduled screening programs or within 45 days of the child’s first day of enrollment.
2. Health Coordinator will administer the hearing whenever possible. Other persons performing hearing screenings may be designated program staff who are trained in the use of the equipment and interpretation of the child’s responses.
3. The Head Start Screening Results form will be filled out by the staff after each screening and placed in the child’s file. Any discrepancy as to the noise level during screening, the child’s failure to respond, or observing that the child appears congested, etc., will also be recorded.
4. Parents will receive a copy of the Screening Results form.
5. Children failing to respond at the recommended level in either ear will be considered
a “fail” or cannot test “CNT” on the screening. Any child determined to be a FAIL or CNT on the initial screening will be rescreened two weeks after.
6. If a child fails two screenings, staff will notify parent/guardian that a referral is being made to their physician or an audiologist for further evaluation.
7. Documentation of hearing screening date, result and referral/follow-up will be maintained in the child’s folder and entered on Child Plus.
8. Staff will monitor screening and follow-up using the same procedures used for other medical and dental services.
