The Berrien County Health Department has released the summer schedule for its pre-kindergarten and preschool hearing and vision screening clinics. Screenings coordinator Melisa Jordan tells us the department offers the free screenings every year, and has served hundreds.
“It is state mandated that a child entering into kindergarten does have their hearing and vision screened prior to entering kindergarten, and this just helps with letting us know if the child is experiencing any issues with the hearing and vision to get it treated prior to entering kindergarten so they do have a successful year,” Jordan said.
Jordan says it’s not unusual for a parent to be unaware their child has a vision or hearing problem, and then they find out as a result of the screenings. The department makes the screenings fun for the kids, treating them as a game. The clinics are offered by appointment at the health department offices in Benton Harbor and Niles as well as at several schools. The first clinic will be May 30 at New Buffalo Elementary School, while others will continue through August 23 at various locations. You can make an appointment online.
The full clinic schedule is below:
The first clinic is 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 at New Buffalo Elementary School, 12291 Lubke Road.
The Benton Harbor clinics are at 2149 E. Napier Ave. and available the following dates and times:
Friday, June 9 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, July 14 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, July 28 from 1-5 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-6 p.m.
The Niles clinics are at 1205 N. Front St. and available:
Tuesday, June 13 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 18 from 1-5 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-6 p.m.
Additional clinics are available at the following schools:
Upton Middle School, 800 Maiden Lane, St. Joseph – Wednesday, June 14 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Roosevelt Elementary School, 2000 El Dorado Drive, Stevensville – Monday, June 26 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Mars Elementary School, 430 W. Mars St., Berrien Springs – Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
