Comprehensive Health Services

Head Start is committed to a philosophy of wellness that embraces a comprehensive vision of healthy children, families, and staff. The objective of Head Start’s child health and development services is to ensure that, through collaboration among families, staff, and health professionals, children’s health and developmental concerns are identified, and children and families are linked to an ongoing source of continuous, accessible care to meet their basic health needs. Head Start promotes and provides the following:

Healthy nutrition and physical activity: Head Start is actively involved in the nation’s efforts to decrease the rate of children classified as overweight or obese. Through activities that promote nutrition and physical activity, Head Start programs make a huge impact on the healthy development of children and families.

Developmental and behavioral services: Head Start programs promote the lifelong health of children and adults in their communities. The programs help families find medical homes, stay current on all of their health needs, and receive the appropriate mental health services.

Child safety and injury prevention: Identifying risks and preventing injury are fundamental to Head Start’s mission. Programs strive to create safe and secure places for children to learn.

Health literacy: Working with families and staff to build their health skills and knowledge is a core part of the work of each Head Start program. When adults understand and model strong health practices, children are more likely to embrace them as well.

Oral health: Head Start recognizes the critical nature of oral health for children’s optimal development. Each program works with families and local oral health professionals to ensure that all children have dental homes that offer regular care and follow-up treatment.

Healthy environments: The children and families served by Head Start programs may be more likely to live in places where they are exposed to smoking and other air pollutants and toxins. It is important that staff support families in building healthy environments.

Our health services team is available to assist families with locating and coordinatig medical, dental, mental health resources and nutrition resources. 

Comprehensive Health and Safety Services Team

Nutrition

Laurie Conlin, Dietician/Nurtrionist

Health Services 

Robin Buckmaster, Head Start Nursing Supervisor

Oral Health

Amanda Willis, Dental Hygienist

Mental Health Services

Michele McKay, ESE Specialist

Healthy and Safe Environments

Robert Salgado, Environmntal Health and Safety Specialist