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Head Start emphasizes preventive care and early detection of health problems. Every child receives a complete physical examination including vision and hearing tests, immunizations, a dental exam and identification of potential disabling conditions. Follow-up services are provided.
Through the nutrition program, children are served a healthful breakfast, lunch and snack each day.
HSAC
The Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) assists in planning, operations, and evaluating the Health/Nutrition Components. The committee includes representatives of various health professions in our community including, but not limited to Physicians, Dentists, Nutritionists, Mental Health Professionals, Public Health Departments, Social Services Department, Dental Hygienists, other local agencies, and Head Start Staff & Parents. Minutes are recorded for all meetings.
This committee meets at least (2) two times per year to provide assistance and advice to the Health Staff on:
§ The written health plan and Standard Operating Procedures
§ The provisions and evaluation of health services
§ To review and update health forms
If you would like to be a member of this committee, please contact us.
Mental Health Curriculum
The Second Step, Violence Prevention Curriculum is used as our Mental Health Curriculum. This curriculum contains appropriate activities that help promote self-esteem, self-awareness and anger management. These activities are included on weekly lesson plans.
Dental
A dental exam for each child is completed by a qualified dentist. Dental treatment is provided for each child requiring follow-up services, such as cavities. Parents are encouraged to accompany their child to these appointments. Family Advocate staff are available to assist in setting up appointments and arranging for transportation if needed. If a family is not Medicaid eligible or does not have insurance, Head Start will pay for follow-up services.
Meals
· Breakfast, lunch, and snack is provided each day to meet 2/3 of children’s daily nutritional needs.
· Funding for all meals is provided by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). All kitchens comply with sanitation and CACFP regulations and are reviewed annually.
Vision
Screenings are completed at Orientation by HS staff or within 45 days of enrollment by the Public Health Department or by the clinic/physician. If a child falls in the referral range by the Welch Allen Vision Screener, he or she will be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Hearing
Hearing screenings are completed at orientation or within 45 days of enrollment by HS staff. Children that fail the hearing screening from the Head Start OAE machine 3 (three) times are referred to their primary doctor to determine if they need to be referred to the local ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist) for further testing.
Lead
Results of a lead testing are obtained upon a child’s entry into the program. Lead tests are normally completed between 12-24 months of age. If a child has not had a lead test, one will need to be completed. Medicaid is required to provide lead screening at no cost. Follow-up treatment is given as needed.
Growth Assessment
The Family Advocate staff complete a height and weight assessment for each child at least two times per year. Heights and weights are recorded from height meters and scales and then entered into ChildPlus, a computer database that will identify whether a child may need follow-up services. If so, the Family Advocate refers parents/guardians to the WIC department or other nutritional professional if the child is not all ready being treated. Informational packets are given to parents on nutritional goals.
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