BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) has announced the summer schedule for the state-required pre-kindergarten dental, hearing, and vision screenings, starting June 8.

Through the end of summer, the BCHD says it will offer free clinics for the screenings to all Berrien County residents by appointment. The clinics are open from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates at the following locations:

• Monday, June 8 – Brandywine Innovation Academy, 1830 South 3rd St., Niles
• Tuesday, June 9 – Hollywood Elementary, 143 W. John Beers Road, Stevensville
• Monday, June 15 – Roosevelt Elementary, 2000 Eldorado Drive, Stevensville
• Tuesday, June 23 – Benton Charter Township Hall, 1725 Territorial Road, Benton Charter Township
• Tuesday, June 30 – Coloma Junior High, 302 W. St. Joseph St., Coloma
• Tuesday, July 28 – Lybrook Elementary, 6238 W. Main St., Eau Claire
• Monday, Aug. 10 – Northside Child Development Center, 2020 N. 5th St., Niles
• Thursday, Aug. 13 – Stewart Elementary, 2750 Orchard Lane, Stevensville

In the announcement, the BCHD noted that these screenings are required by state law for children entering kindergarten at both public and private schools, adding that it is also recommended for children entering preschool.

Dental screenings take roughly five minutes and involve a dental hygienist inspecting the child's teeth and gums, hearing screenings take roughly three minutes with six sounds for the child to identify, and vision screenings take roughly five to 10 minutes with four shapes for them to identify.

If any issues are found in the screenings, the BCHD will provide a referral for a dental, hearing, or eye exam at the family's dentist, health care provider, or eye doctor of choice.

To schedule an appointment, you can go to the BCHD's website or call Melisa Jordan at 269.926.7121, ext. 5293.