Policies and Regulations → Section J → JP → Student Health Services and Requirements
JPA-RB, Safety and Screening Programs: Lead, Hearing and Vision
Purpose
To comply with state and federal requirements to screen and identify students at risk for lead poisoning.
To comply with state requirements to screen and identify students with auditory or visual problems, to refer and follow-up on children who failed auditory and/or visual screening, and to interpret screening results to appropriate individuals.
To comply with state and federal guidelines regarding the safety of school and office drinking water.
Background
Screening procedures are part of the overall health appraisal of children. Children most likely to be in need of further medical appraisal or investigation are identified through teacher observations, health histories, screening tests, and medical and psychological tests and examinations.
Lead poisoning from exposure to lead contaminants is a widespread environmental hazard. Children are at greatest risk from birth to age six while their neurological systems are developing. Sustained exposure to lead can cause long-lasting neurological damage and death. Effects of exposure to lead in the environment include learning disabilities, shortened attention span, irritability, and lowered IQ.
Hearing and vision problems are health concerns and can be barriers to learning. Screening allows for early detection of any problems.
