Head Start’s objective is to promote awareness of preventative health care for your child. Parents are a big part of this health program. One of Head Start’s goals is to link families to an ongoing health care system. The Health Coordinator and your Family Support Specialist are available to assist you with any questions or concerns about health issues. The Health Coordinator can be reached at ext 120 to answer any questions regarding your child’s health/dental concerns.

All children must have a current physical exam, dental exam, and an updated shot record as soon as possible. Dental exams should be scheduled every 6 months. A dental exam should include a cleaning and fluoride treatment if the child is comfortable with their dentist. Any needed dental treatment should be completed as soon as possible since cavities are a source of infection and may cause pain and illness if left untreated.

Medications:

If your child is in a half-day session, please try to give the medications prior to class. All children who must have medication given while they attend class must follow the Medication Procedure before any medication can be sent to the center. Please call your child’s Family Support Specialist or Teacher to find out which forms must be filled out by you/your child’s doctor before your child is given any medication. A doctor’s written order is necessary for any Over the Counter medication before it can be given at Head Start. Please do not send any medication into the center on the bus until you have completed the written form. Without the parent and doctor’s written permission we will be unable to administer any medication.

Illnesses:

Please do not send your child to Head Start if:

1. The child can’t participate comfortably in the usual activities due to any of the following symptoms :

Chills, Diarrhea, Sore throat, Coughing, Enlarged glands, Skin rash, Headache, Pink and puffy eyes, Earache with a discharge, Stomachache, Restless night, Cold sores, Wheezing, Poison Ivy, Vomiting, Runny nose with colored discharge.

2. The child has not been on an antibiotic for 24 hours with an infection.

Example: Strep Throat, Impetigo.