Milford chronicle., 1922-11-03
INSPECTION
IN THE SCHOOLS

The summarizing figures in the
general report of the work of Medical
Inspection done in the schools during
the school year just past, including a
report OF the work of the Dental
Unit, made one appreciate the need
for medical inspection and the good
that may be accomplished from it. A
grand total of 1903 children were ex-
amined, 14,450 by the school physi-
clan and the nurses, and 64S by the
nurses alone. Among these 1906
there were discovered 1191 cases of
defective vision and 191 cases of other
eye conditions, such as cOnjunctivitis.
5,038 children were found to have en-
larged tonsils. This is one-third of
the total number examined. 3,276
children were under-nOurished. These
are only part of the defects found.
Of the 1908 examined, only 1164
were found to be free from defects.
It is true, of course, that often the
defect or defects found were slight,
as some skin affection, innocent
enough in itself, perhaps, or a decay
ed tooth, but as we recognize that
great oaks from little acorns grow"
so must we recognize the no less i'm
portant fact that serious disease and
disability may take their origin in
these apparently insignificant pathe-
logical beginnings. AS a part of an
educational system, medical inspection
of school children has very definite
place.
It is logical for a department of ed
ucatiOn, indeed it is it's duty, to see
that it's wards are in the best possible
physical condition to absorb the les
sons it would impart, lessons of cul-
ture, self-suppOrt, self-control, and
good citizenship, and to point out to
the parents of these wards the dire
possibilities that may result if handi-
caps are not removed.
1t is evident that its duty goes much
further than this and that the educa-
tiOnal department should have the
right to insist, not only that the wards
be examined but also that their de-
fects be corrected. Nolaw can force a
man to have his child's teeth filled or
it's tonsils removed, but the law can
say that parent or guardian may not
send a child to school who is suffer-
ing from some condition detrimental
to it's health and progress. Such a
child can be excluded from school,
and, if it does not return within rea-
sonable time with it's disability cor
rected or at least an attempt made at
correction, he can be declared tru-
ant and those responsible for him
prosecuted under truancy law.
This coming year the entire burden
of the nursing service in the medical
inspection of school children will fall
upon the Child Welfare Commission,
the American Red Cross having with
drawn from this field and discontinued
it's nursing service. To meet this, the
Child Welfare Commission has divid-
ed the state into thirteen districts,
four in New Castle county, four in
Kent county, and five in Sussex coun-
ty, with a nurse in each district who
will do school work. There is about
$4,000 available from the Delaware
School Auxiliary Association for the
payment Of medical service, printing,
etc. When this is exhausted the
Child Welfare Commission will as
sumo the financial obligations Incl
dent to the work. The Child Welfare
Commission also offers the services Of
its Director to serve as State Director
of Medical Inspection for the COM
ing year.