We ensure that all enrolled children have timely immunizations and screenings for cognitive development, basic health, speech and language, hearing, vision, and dental health.
Children’s health is a critical factor in being school ready. Head Start ensures that all enrolled children have timely immunizations and screenings for cognitive development, basic health, speech and language, hearing, vision, and dental health.
In accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Community Care Licensing each child enrolled in Head Start is required to receive a Physical Examination. Family Services Workers at each Early Learning Center and Home Educators are available to provide information and resources to assist families and connect them with medical services offered within the community.
In accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, each child enrolled in Head Start is required to receive a blood lead test. This screening is necessary to provide prompt assistance to families to best meet the health and developmental needs of the child. Lead is toxic to everyone, but young children are at higher risk.
In accordance with Head Start Performance Standards each child enrolled in Head Start is required to receive a dental examination. Family Services Workers at each Early Learning Center and Home Educators are available to provide information and resources to assist families and connect them with dental services offered within the community.
Every center is required to schedule a Health/Nutrition Specialist (HNS) to attend one parent meeting a year to discuss oral health and preventative dental care. The Health/Nutrition Specialist is responsible for accessing dental services and can provide information regarding providers in the Sacramento community, offer assistance in advocating for families having difficulty in obtaining a dental home or treatment from a provider, and early detection and treatment of dental caries and preventative care.
We ensure all enrolled children meet the minimum standards for immunizations in accordance with the California School Immunization Law. Information and resources on immunization clinics are available at each Head Start Early Learning Center.
We are committed to the health and safety of our children both in and outside of the center. At enrollment, parents are asked a series of questions to indicate whether their child has a pre-existing medical condition (such as asthma, seizures, or allergies) that may require a health care plan or medication while at school. Our center staff are provided with quality training in administering medications to children.
We collaborate with Community HealthWorks to assist families with resource information on affordable health care in the Sacramento County area.
Health Education Resource Videos
- Early Childhood Oral Health: Thumbsucking and Pacifier Use
- Food Allergies and Medication Administration
- General Health Communicable Diseases
- Respiratory Conditions: Flu & Cold; Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Nutrition and Physical Activity
- Seizures and Nervous System Disorders
- Eye Care and Vision Screenings
- Eye Care and Hearing Screenings
- Dental Care and Dental Screenings
- Managing Stress
- Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
- Immunity to Disease and Immunizations
- Language and Hearing
- Screen Time and Sleep Quality
- Sugar and Sweets
- Nutrition: Feeding Cues and Pregnancy
- Virus vs Bacteria and Antibiotics
- Oral Health and Personal Hygiene
- Mental Health
- Dietary Lifestyles and Definitions