Vision and Hearing Screening Requirements

Special Senses and Communications Disorders Act, Texas Health and Safety code requires that all children enrolled for the first time in any public, private, parochial, or denominational school or in a Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services licensed day-care center and group day-care home in Texas or who meet certain grade criteria must be screened or have a professional examination for possible vision and hearing problems. All Kindergartners, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th graders must be screened. All new students into CCISD from 4 years through the 12th grade are screened.  Also, students who are referred by a parent, teacher or counselor are screened. If further evaluation is required a referral letter will be sent home along with the testing results. Please take the referral with you for the examination and ask your vision/hearing specialist to complete it. Please return the report to your school nurse as soon as possible.  The School Nurse is required to keep those results in your child's health record. 

TDSHS - Vision and Hearing Screening Program

Spinal Screening

In compliance with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 37, all children shall undergo screening for abnormal spinal curvature in accordance with the following schedule:

• Girls will be screened two times, once at age 10 (or fall semester of grade 5) and again at age 12 (or fall semester of grade 7).

• Boys will be screened one time at age 13 or 14 (or fall semester of grade 8).

Parents will be notified if the screening test indicates need for medical follow-up. 

TDSHS - Spinal Screening Program


Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)

Students will be screened for AN either during the spinal screening or during the hearing and vision screening. Grades 1, 3, 5, and 7 will be screened for AN. Acanthosis Nigricans is a light brown-black, velvety, furrowed, rough or thickened manifestation on the surface areas of the skin, which are indicative of high insulin levels. Persons who have high insulin levels and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Parents will be notified if the screening test indicates need for medical follow-up.
   
Height/Weight

Elementary students grades 3rd-5th will also have height and weight assessment through the PE department as part of the state mandated Fitnessgram. The primary goal of this program is to promote regular physical activity among all youth. Of particular importance is promoting activity patterns that lead to reduced health risk and improved health-related physical fitness.


Parents who choose to opt out of screenings, must notify the school nurse.