BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Berrien County Health Department announced the summer schedule for its prekindergarten and preschool dental, hearing, and vision screening clinics, which start June 9.

The BCHD clinics are free and open to Berrien County residents.

Screenings are required by state law for all children entering kindergarten at public and private schools.

“Young children may unknowingly have hearing and vision problems," said Melisa Jordan, BCHD’s hearing and vision coordinator. “Undiagnosed problems can hinder a child’s ability to read or hear the teacher’s instructions. That’s why it’s critically important for parents and caregivers to get children screened before they start kindergarten or preschool to ensure they are ready for success in the classroom."

Summer clinics are available by appointment from 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m.

You can schedule an appointment online or calling Jordan at 269-926-7121, ext. 5293.

Summer clinic locations and dates include:

• Merritt Elementary, 160 La Salle Ave., Niles – Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10
• Hollywood Elementary, 143 E. John Beers Road, Stevensville – Thursday, June 12
• Roosevelt Elementary, 2000 El Dorado Drive, Stevensville – Tuesday, June 17
• Watervliet South Elementary, 433 Lucinda Lane, Watervliet – Tuesday, June 24
• Coloma Administration Building, 302 W. St. Joseph St., Coloma – Wednesday, June 18
• Lybrook Elementary, 6238 West Main St., Eau Claire – Tuesday, July 29
• Northside Niles Child Development Center, 2020 N. Fifth St., Niles – Tuesday, Aug. 5
• Stewart Elementary, 2750 Orchard Lane, Stevensville – Tuesday, Aug. 12

BCHD officials announced they'll also offer dental, hearing, and vision screenings at its annual Back-to-School Bash 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Aug. 21 at its Benton Harbor office located at 2149 E. Napier Ave.

For the Back-to-School Bash, walk-ins are welcome. School-required immunizations will also be offered.

Dental screenings take about five minutes and involve a dental hygienist briefly looking at the child’s teeth and gums before noting any findings.

Health officials say If any dental issues are discovered, BCHD provides a referral for a dental exam at the family’s dentist of choice.

Hearing screenings take about three minutes and feature six sounds for the child to identify.

If any hearing issues are discovered, BCHD provides a referral for a hearing exam at the family’s health care provider or the Berrien Springs Public Schools Hearing Center.

Vision screenings take five to 10 minutes and feature four shapes for the child to identify.

If any vision issues are discovered, BCHD provides a referral for an eye exam at the family’s eye doctor of choice.