Health Screenings
The Pennsylvania Department of School Health mandates health screenings for all public and private school students at specific grade levels. These screenings ensure that potential health issues are identified early and addressed appropriately. The required screenings include:
|
Screening Type |
Grade Levels |
| Vision | Pre-K through 12 |
| Height | Pre-K through 12 |
| Weight | Pre-K through 12 |
| Hearing | Pre-K through3, 7, and 11 |
| Scoliosis | Grade 6 and 7 |
| Dental Screening | Grades 1, 3 and 7 |
Follow-Up:
If a student does not pass one or more screenings, parents or guardians will receive a referral from the school district to follow up with a healthcare provider. This process ensures that any identified issues are properly evaluated and managed by medical professionals.
Illnesses at School
Our primary goal is to protect the health of students, families, faculty and staff. Here are ways you can help minimize the spread of illness in your child’s school:
- Teach your child about good hand washing and cough hygiene practices.
- Tell the school nurse if your child has a medical condition that could make them more susceptible to becoming ill.
- Plan for how your child will be cared for if they need to remain home from school due to illness. Students with the following symptoms should remain home or may be sent home from school:
-
- An oral temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Note: The child’s temperature must remain below 100 degrees for 24 hours without benefit of use of fever reducing medications before they can return to school.
- Vomiting: should be free of symptoms for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Diarrhea: should be free of symptom for 24 hours before returning to school.
Required Examinations
The Pennsylvania School Health Act requires students to have certain health examinations by a medical provider before entering certain grades.
Physical Examinations
The School District of Lancaster will provide a free physical examination if the parent/guardian signs a permission form and Health History form and returns it to the school nurse.
Additionally, free athletic physicals are offered to student-athletes before each sports season.
Dental Examinations
Pennsylvania requires all students to have a dental examination when entering school in kindergarten or grade 1, grade 3, and grade 7. This exam should be done by a private dentist.
The School District of Lancaster has a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner who provides dental screenings and education for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and seventh grade.
If, after screening your child, the Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner has concerns and feels your child may need additional care, a referral will be sent home.