Health Is Everybody's Business
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." (World Health Organization, 1948)
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Health is incorporated into every aspect of Head Start and ECEAP. This is one of the features that make these federal and state programs so unique. Health is a critical element in delivering comprehensive services to the children and their families in our program. One of the main goals in Head Start/ECEAP is to keep children healthy through preventative health care. The sooner a child's health care needs are met, the better it will be for both the child and family.
It is very important to start healthy habits early in a child's life. While in HS/E, children are learning attitudes and health behaviors that are more likely to become part of their lives if they begin early and are carried out consistently. Our health team works with families to emphasize and encourage this vital process, because we want them to leave our program with the knowledge, skills and resources to continue to care for the health of their children and themselves.
How do we help?
The HS Performance Standards are the federal laws that govern how each HS program is run. They require that we provide comprehensive, well-integrated health, dental, and nutrition services to children and families. There is a strong emphasis on linking and supporting families in accessing appropriate health care and establishing a medical home.
HS serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks that conform to a low-salt, low-sugar, low-fat diet. Each child brushes his teeth after one meal a day with a teacher model. Every child receives developmental screenings within 45 days of enrollment that include sensory, growth, vision, hearing, and lead toxicity. Each child is required to have an annual well-child checkup with their doctor and an annual dental exam with a dentist.
Our Health Advocates can work with families to link them with insurance, providers, or transportation. They also can help to support our families to overcome obstacles that may be in the way of getting or completing treatment.
And there is much, much more!
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