CHILD HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Head Start has a long-standing commitment for providing comprehensive child health services to identify 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 the child's health concerns. The program ensures that all enrolled children have timely immunizations, screenings and health examinations according to Michigan’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program requirements. 

*The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) service is Medicaid's comprehensive and preventive child health program for individuals under the age of 21.

Immunizations

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

Developmental Screening

Screenings are an important part of well-child care because 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 Brigance Diagnostic Inventory of Early Development to screen children (ages 3-5) in multiple development domains, the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) to screen for social-emotional difficulties and the Sensory Profile when a problem with sensory integration is suspected.

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

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

Medical Home & Ongoing Care

To promote healthy development, every child needs a source of continuous, accessible health care that is available even after the child leaves Head Start.  Head Start staff assist parents in accessing health care and ensuring medical and dental homes for their 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.

*In Michigan, health care coverage plans include Medicaid, MIChild, Healthy Kids and Healthy Kids Dental program as well as Qualified Health Plans through Maternal and Infant Health Program services. 

Treatment & Follow Up-

Well-child health care consists of providing the child 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. 

* All medical information is confidential.  Head Start staff follow agency policy as well as laws and regulations governing confidentiality.