How Can We Help?
Hearing Screenings
POLICY:
NOCAC Child Development will obtain or perform evidence based hearing screenings on each child within 45 calendar days of the child’s entry into the program.
PROCEDURES:
- Enrolled HS or EHS participants are required to have a hearing screening within 45 days of enrollment. a. EHS – The state of Ohio requires each newborn to have a hearing screen prior to dismissal of the hospital. Please work with families to get those results or a signed release. b. HS – results from family doctor or use of our own equipment is acceptable.
- Designated staff are trained on screening equipment use and will perform a hearing screening on every participant annually per the Health Advisory Committee and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT).
- The evidence based hearing screener Madsen Alpha OAE screener can be used for all participants from 0-5 and pregnant women if needed.
- Parents will be informed of all screening requirements at the time of enrollment or during the first home visit. Staff will assist the family in completing the Enrollment Consent Form.
- Hearing screenings (within normal limits) obtained from the participant’s “qualifying” EPSDT Well Child exam will be entered into ChildPlus for tracking. In order for a hearing to “qualify” it must be done on July 1st or later.
- Screenings must be current for the existing program year.
- If a child has tubes or a history of ear infections and is under the care of an Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) doctor an ROI must be sent to verify that the child is under a current treatment plan.
- Passed Hearing:
- The designated Head Start Staff will notify the parent about the results using the Parent’s Notification of Screening Results – PNSR.
- Failed Hearing Screening:
- Parents are notified using the Parent’s Notification of Screening Results – PNSR.
- The child is re-screened within 3 weeks
- If the child fails the second screening, the parents are sent a second PNSR with a NOCAC Head Start Hearing Report Form attached.
- The FA and/or teacher or Home Visitor will contact the parent and explain the screening results and the follow up procedures.
- Parents are advised by the Family Advocate and/or teacher/Home Visitor (HV) to take the participant to an ENT or formal hearing assessment.
- The FA and/or teacher/HV shall assist the family in finding an ENT if necessary.
- FA, teacher, and HV will discuss all findings at regularly scheduled meetings to be recorded on the Family Progress Notes or entered into communication under corresponding health event.
- The FA and/or teacher/HV will follow up with the family as needed.
- All follow-up is tracked in ChildPlus.
- At any time during the year, a parent or teacher may request another screening.
- Documentation of all screenings is maintained in ChildPlus. The white copy of the screening results is sent to the Central Office and will be entered by the Data/Admin Team. All screenings requiring follow-up are forwarded to the Health and Safety Manager.
- Madsen Alpha OAE results – PSNR copies must be sent to the Central Office upon completion.
- The Health and Safety Manager monitors follow-ups via data from ChildPlus.
Forms and Additional Guidance:
This policy complies with the following |
||
Head Start Program Performance Standard: | 1302.42(b)(2) | |
ODJFS Child Care Manual: | ||
CACFP Regulation: | ||
Caring for Our Children: | ||
Other Sources: |
Effective Date: | 8/7/17 | Reviewed Date: | 10/28/20 | ||
Approved By Policy Council: | 8/7/17 | Revision Approved By Policy Council: |