Health and Nutrition
The Head Start Program's guidelines require that we monitor and track your child's health status while they are enrolled in our program. Your Family Advocate along with the Health Coordinator will be contacting you throughout the year to make sure that your child is on track with a consistent plan of health care and that your child has a medical home. Below is a list of the things that our program requires you to provide us at the time of your child's enrollment into our program:
- An up-to-date Well Check Exam (Physical)
- An up-to-date copy of your child's Immunization record
- A copy of your child's Medicaid or Private Insurance card
- Any special documentation required to make sure that your child is safe and cared for properly while at our facility including, but not limited to: Medical Diet documentation if your child has a food allergy or requires a special diet and a Chronic Illness Care Plan if your child has a chronic health condition such as: Asthma, Diabetes, etc. Medications will only be administered on site if there is a Care Plan and Medication Request filled out completely by a Physician.
- A Blood Lead Screeing result (this should be completed at 12 months of age and 24 months of age--if your child's Pediatrician does not have record of this on file, it must be completed as soon as possible)
- Hemoglobin/Hematocrit (blood count) applicable for your child's age
Our program requires that your child have the following screenings performed within 45 days of enrollment into our program:
- Vision screening (if your child fails they will be referred for required medical follow-up)
- Hearing screening (if your child fails they will be referred for required medical follow-up
- Developmental and Social Emotional Screenings (Ages & Stages Questionnaires filled out at enrollment appointment)
Our program requires that your child have the following screening performed within 90 days of enrollment into our program:
- Dental Exam--performed either by our program dentist, Dr. Sharon Foreman, or by your child's Private Dentist. We MUST have documentation on file of the initial exam AND any follow-up treatment required
Nutrition
IMPORTANT: If your child is going to be absent PLEASE CALL BEFORE 9AM AND LET YOUR TEACHER KNOW!!!
Our program serves children a nutritious Breakfast and Lunch each day. Children in Before and After care also get a nutritious snack.
Our food is catered in at the Sugar Hill and Early Head Start sites from Child Nutrition at Marion Elementary School. Outside centers eat in the Elementary school cafeteria where they are located.
We ask that you do not send any type of home prepared foods to school (cupcakes, cookies, etc.) We cannot serve them in a licensed Child Care Facility due to sanitation guidelines. On special occasions you are welcome to bring pre-packaged foods like Little Debbie cakes, crackers, or items purchased from a Grocery Store or Deli. We encourage nutritious foods and welcome fresh fruits and vegetables. NO CANDY IS ALLOWED FOR ANY OCCASION!
Any Special Diet requirements or food allergies must be documented using a Medical Diet Documentation form filled out by your child's Physician.
