The health component is charged with assuring the physical health of enrolled Head Start children. It is an integral part of the classroom experience, as well as dealing with specific concerns for individual children and families.

A primary focus of the component is health education and establishing preventative health practices in children. In each classroom, nutritious meals are served twice daily and teeth are brushed daily. Hygiene practices are implemented and ongoing during the school year. Daily health status is observed by teachers and appropriate actions are taken. On home visits, health issues are addressed with parents for incorporation into the home setting.

As part of the general assessment of the child, physical exam and dental exams are completed by community providers. Height, weight, vision, and hearing screenings are done by staff. Upon review of the exam reports, necessary provisions are made for follow-up by the Health/Nutrition Coordinator. Parents are actively involved in the follow-up. The Health/Nutrition Coordinator and Head Start staff assist the family in interpreting exam results, recommendations and in planning for needed follow-up. Parents then schedule needed follow-up with their physician or, as needed, work with staff to make the necessary appointments.

Records of contacts between the child and Health Care Providers, both in the program and community, are kept by the Health/Nutrition Coordinator and are recorded on the "Health Database and in the Child's file." Teachers, Advocates, staff, and the Health/Nutrition Coordinator participate in the staffing process and make recommendations for intervention during home visits and in the classrooms.

Good nutrition is the cornerstone to a child's good health. A nutritious breakfast and lunch for morning session and a lunch and snack for the afternoon session are served daily. The menu is posted in the classroom and is sent home with your child every six weeks. Nutritious food substitutions to the regular menu are provided to children with special needs, allergies, and/or religious preferences. Children and parents are given the opportunity to learn more about the importance of good nutrition through parent meetings and classroom activities.

Many of our community's doctors, nurses, and clinics help provide services to Head Start's children.