Early Childhood Development

Child Health and Development Services

     Head Start has a long-standing commitment to provide comprehensive services to identify child health needs, coordinate treatment and provide follow-up care.

In this section, Head Start program applies to both Head Start and Early Head Start services (birth to five).

Child Health Status

     Because children must be healthy and well nourished in order to learn, Head Start pays particular attention to child health. The program ensures all enrolled children have timely immunizations, screenings and health examinations according to Michigan’s Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) program requirements (Medicaid's comprehensive and preventive child health program for individuals under the age of 21).

Immunizations

     Child immunizations help protect children from many preventable diseases. The Head Start program follows recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the organization that leads the national effort to ensure that children are vaccinated.

Developmental Screening

     Screenings are an important part of well-child care since the process allows for early detection of health and developmental concerns. Screenings are conducted with all children within 45 days of entry into the program.

     The Head Start program uses the Brigance Diagnostic Inventory of Early Development to screen children (ages 3-5) in multiple domains of development, the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) to screen for social-emotional wellness and the Sensory Profile when a problem with sensory integration is suspected.

     The Early Head Start program uses the Nipissing District Developmental Screen (ages 1-6 months) and Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) to screen children (6-36 months) in multiple domains of development. In addition, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ-SE) and the Sensory Profile - Infant/Toddler are also utilized.

Also see Early Childhood Education, Child Mental Health and Disabilities.

Medical Home & Ongoing Care

     To promote healthy development, children need a source of continuous, accessible health care that is available to them after the child leaves Head Start. Head Start staff assist parents in accessing health care and ensuring medical and dental homes for enrolled families.

Health Insurance -

     Every state in the nation has a health insurance program for infants, toddlers and young children called the State Child Heath Insurance Program (SCHIP). Head Start staff assist parents in obtaining health care coverage for prenatal care and for children.

Treatment & Follow Up -

     Well-child health care consists of providing children with regularly scheduled check-ups with a health care provider, including health history, screenings, examination, preventive services and follow-up care. Head Start staff work with parents and health care providers to track health and dental follow-up for all children enrolled in the program.

Introduction | Child Health & Development | Early Childhood Education
Child Health and Safety | Child Nutrition | Child Mental Health
Disabilities | Prenatal Services