Kids Entering Preschool or Kindergarten? Schedule Mandatory Hearing and Vision Screenings

All children starting kindergarten or preschool must have their hearing and vision tested before starting school. The Washtenaw County Health Department offers free office appointments throughout the summer. Call 734-544-6786 to schedule.

“Young children and their parents may not realize they have a hearing or vision problem,” says Deborah Thompson, lead hearing and vision technician at the Washtenaw County Health Department. “Our goal is to detect problems early, to make sure kids have all the tools they need to hear, see and learn before school starts.”

Across Michigan, around ten percent of children screened for vision and five percent screened for hearing are referred to specialists. Last year, the Washtenaw County Health Department conducted over 45,000 hearing and vision screenings and referred nearly 3,000 children to specialists.

Undiagnosed hearing and vision problem may interfere with development. Early detection and treatment of hearing and vision problems can help children succeed in school.

Hearing and vision screening is required by the Michigan Public Health Code. Parents will be asked for proof of screening before their children enter kindergarten or head start. Once a child is in school, the Washtenaw County Health Department continues free in-school screenings on a regular basis.

Learn more about the Washtenaw County Health Department Hearing and Vision Program and find a flyer for free office appointments at bit.ly/WCHDseehear.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.