Health Information
 

Overview:
The overall health and safety of each Head Start child, their families and the Head Start staff is supported by encouraging practices that prevent illness or injury, and by promoting positive, culturally relevant health behaviors that enhance life-long wellness. 

Head Start families and staff work together to document the health history of each enrolled child.   Parents/guardians, physicians and Head Start staff members develop individual health plans for any child identified as having special health needs.

Health and Safety:
Head Start staff and families receive training on safety, health and hygiene, emergency and disaster procedures, identification and reporting of communicable diseases, CPR, First Aid, OSHA and Universal Safety Precautions.  Head Start centers are staffed by personnel who receive physical exams, TB tests, and are current on their immunizations.  Head Start children also receive physical exams, dental screening, developmental screening, mental health screening, and are current on their immunizations.

Children are taught safety practices while in the center.  They experience fire and tornado drills, bus evacuation drills, lessons on seat belt safety, fire safety (drop and roll), hand washing, stranger danger and other activities that help them understand how to keep themselves safe.

Nutrition:
Families and Head Start staff work together to enhance the nutrition of children both in the centers and at home.  Children are weighed and measured and their growth is monitored throughout the year.  Healthful meals and snacks are available during their center hours.  Families have input during menu planning, share recipes for healthful snacks and meals and encourage their children to try new foods. Head Start menus are approved by a licensed dietician.

Dental health:
Dental health is an important focus for Head Start children.  Children brush their teeth during the time spent at center.  Families are encouraged to chart their children’s teeth brushing at home.  Dental screening is a requirement for each child.  Dental follow-up is facilitated by a partnership of the parent/guardian and the Family Advocate.  Transportation to dental appointments may be available. Families are encouraged to find a local family dentist who will follow the child as he/she grows.

Medical health:
Establishing a family medical provider for each family is an example of a goal which may be set in partnership with the Family Advocate.  Having regular care from a physician who is familiar with the child and family ensures that the child will receive excellent services in case of any emergency illness or accident.

Mental Wellness:
Head Start promotes a vision of mental wellness. Collaborative relationships among children, families, staff, mental health professionals and the community are established in order to enhance awareness and understanding of mental wellness and the contribution that mental health information and services can make to the wellness of all children and families.  Mental health professionals work with classroom staff to design an appropriate environment for the children.  Family Advocates refer families for services for any mental health issues that the family desires to address.  Information on developmental and cognitive phases, typical behaviors or concerns, changes in the child’s behavior, mood, or physical appearance is used to help individualize services for each child.