August 2009             

Children’s Vision Law for 2009-2010 School Year

Your Kindergartener needs to have a comprehensive eye exam performed by a licensed eye doctor or physician. The deadline is January 1, 2010. Your Pediatrician usually would not have the resources for a comprehensive eye exam but rather an eye screening just as I perform at EC so a trip to the eye doctor would be necessary. Your child’s vision is especially important this year as s/he is in the early stages of reading. Warning signs of vision problems in children include but are not limited to squinting, closing/covering one eye, holding a book close to the face, losing his/her place while reading, excessive clumsiness, tilting the head to one side, short attention span or rubbing eyes repeatedly.

If you don’t want your child to have an eye exam, you must sign an Opt-Out form and return it to me to complete your child’s health file. This form is available in the EC Health Office or I will send one home with your child at your request. More information about the Children’s Vision Law and the Missouri Eye Exam form can be found on the Department of Health and Senior Services website: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/SchoolHealth/ChildrensVisionInfo.html.

Please do not hesitate to contact me to confirm that your child’s eye exam form or opt-out form is in his/her health file or with any questions or concerns at 732.3670 x7011.

Change of Clothes Keeps Your Child From Missing Out

I need your help! Please send a change of clothes, to include undies/panties and socks, appropriate for the season. Kindergarten is full of milk spills, muddy knees, recess puddles and bathroom accidents. Unfortunately I do not have the space to clothe our growing Early Childhood Student Body! Please send your child’s top, bottom, undies and socks in a plastic gallon zipper seal bag labeled with his/her name. This may be kept in his/her cubby. If your child borrows clothing from me please return it laundered as soon as possible . Thank you!

Staying Healthy Starts At Home

The EC staff truly values the time we have with your child. You can help keep them in the classroom by reinforcing the importance of:

• Eating 5 fruits or vegetables a day to help keep the immune system healthy, as well as including enough protein

• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of his/her arm
  Washing hands before eating, after toileting, after using a tissue and on returning                                                      home  from public places, i.e. grocery store, school, discount store, The mall, etc..

                                           

• Maintaining good hygiene by brushing and flossing teeth

• Including Vitamin C (a healthy immune booster) in your diet – foods rich in vitamin C include:  Orange Juice- one of the highest sources (there are brands in stores that are for immune health),  Brussels sprouts, snap beans, green peppers, tomato juice, broccoli, papaya, grapefruits and juice, pineapple, kiwi, and most fruits and vegetables containing more than 30mg of Vitamin c

• Maintaining a Healthy lifestyle – be sure to get adequate rest (7-8 hours per night for adults and 10-12 hours for elementary age students), proper nutrition and moderate exercise to keep your body fit and healthy