Scoliosis screening is required for all students in the 6th and 8th grades who attend public school in Georgia.

• Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine.
• About 3% of children are affected by scoliosis.
• It can occur at any age but is often noticeable between the ages of 9 and 16, when growth occurs rapidly.
• Early detection is important to avoid potentially serious problems later in life if a spinal curve is not recognized, treated, and it continues to progress.
• The screening test is an observation of the child’s back, shoulders, and hips when standing and bending forward. 
• Effingham County School District screenings are conducted by Registered Nurses

There are options for how the screening can be completed:

• Submit a completed Form #4400, (Spanish version) Certificate of Scoliosis screening. Form #4400 can be completed by a physician with an active GA license or person working under the supervision of a physician with an active GA license, the local health department, or licensed school nurse. 
   
• Children can participate in a school scoliosis screening event. Students without a completed Form #4400 on file will participate in the scoliosis screening during a school screening event.

• Parents or guardians can choose not to have their student screened for scoliosis by selecting the opt-out option on Form #4400 and returning it to school by set date. If you do not want your child to be screened, or is already under a doctor's care, please return this form.
  • Parent Letter 

Date for Scoliosis Screenings coming soon.