Nassau County health officials are conducting an investigation at the Shubert School in Baldwin after a preschooler was diagnosed with lead poisoning.

Peeling paint can be seen near the roof to the right of the front door outside the school. County Executive Laura Curran says some of the paint chips tested positive for lead. She says there's no risk to the school's interior.

Nassau Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein says it's not yet known if the paint chips are the source of the elevated lead levels, nor is it known if it's how the child fell ill.

The pre-K program is run by the Uniondale School District but operates in the Shubert School, which belongs to the Baldwin School District.

The Uniondale district says it is having students use another entrance to the building and that the affected area has been painted with primer.

The Nassau Health Department says it will be sending around 200 letters home to parents whose children either currently attend the school or who went there last year. Parents are encouraged to check with pediatricians about getting their children tested for lead exposure.

Lead paint became illegal in 1978, but many older buildings like schools could still have contaminated paint underneath fresher coats. Health officials say it's not usually a problem unless it is disturbed.