School screenings provide a process that allows for the detection of health conditions that might negatively impact a child’s learning success.

Health screenings performed at school are not diagnostic. They are intended to identify students who exhibit symptoms suggestive of a health problem and allow for a process for the school nurse to support the parents of students meeting referral criteria to follow up with the appropriate health care providers for a diagnostic evaluation and for treatment if warranted.

In recent years, Iowa law has mandated that students receive certain health screenings.

The following is a summary of health screenings and a schedule for when screenings are offered in Des Moines Public Schools.  If you would like your child to be excused from the screening programs offered, please notify the school nurse.

Height and Weight Screenings – are conducted as part of the Physical Education program each Fall and Spring in grades Kindergarten through grade 10.

Vision Screening – Vision screenings are required by Iowa law to be completed on all students entering kindergarten and grade 3. Students must have had the screening no earlier than one year prior to the date of the child’s enrollment in grades K or 3. Screening of new students and those with suspected vision concerns are conducted as needed.  Click here to download the required certificate of vision screening.

Hearing Screening – Routine general hearing screenings are conducted in preschool, kindergarten and grades 1, 2 & 5. Testing of students with a history of known hearing loss are conducted at any grade level on an as needed basis by an Audiologist. Screenings of new students, those with suspected hearing concerns or those undergoing a special education evaluation are completed as needed. Full audiological evaluations for any child (Birth to 18 years old) who resides within the Des Moines Public School District can be completed at the sound booth located inside Capitol View Elementary. Click here to read the audiology brochure.

Dental Screening – Dental screenings are required by Iowa law to completed on all students entering kindergarten and grade 9. Students entering kindergarten must have had the screening completed between the ages of 3 and 6 years and must be completed by spring of their kindergarten year. Students entering grade 9 must have proof of a dental screening completed between the beginning of 8th grade and spring of their 9th grade year. Dental screenings can be completed by a dentist, dental hygienist, physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or a nurse. Click here to download the required certificate of dental screening.

Blood Lead Screening – Iowa law now requires that children enrolling into kindergarten provide proof of having been tested for blood lead levels before the age of 6 years. There are exemptions to the law in cases of religious exemption or in cases where the Iowa Department of Public Health determines the child is at an extremely low risk of lead exposure. Exemptions must be approved by the Iowa Department of Public Health. If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Iowa Department of Public Health’s blood lead bureau at 1-800-972-2026.