Health & Wellness

"Since its beginnings, Head Start has recognized that health is the foundation for children's growth and development, and that healthy children are better able to learn. Evidence suggests that when children receive preventive well-child care, early diagnosis, and effective treatment, they are more likely to engage in learning." ~Early Childhood Knowledge and Learning Center

Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency is committed to protecting the health of our children, families, staff, and community. The NMCAA Child and Family Health plan is designed in response to guidance from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Health and Human Services along with our Head Start Performance Standards, in accordance with best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and with everyone’s well-being in mind.

NMCAA Child and Family Health Plan

Baby in White Onsie by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels

Early Head Start Health Requirements
Before their first day:

Copy of immunizations or waiver in file
As needed:
- Allergy Monitoring form completed and posted in an area accessible for staff reference but also ensures confidentiality.
- Emergency Care plan completed for children with allergies, asthma, or other serious medical concerns. All staff who will be working with the child should read and initial the form upon the child's enrollment and at least every four months for the duration of enrollment. Submit a copy to your Coordinator.

Within 30 days:

Copy of physical in file. Updated well baby checks as required.

Within 45 days:

ASQ screener and e-DECA completed.
Hearing screenings will be completed by your Coordinator/FSS.
Vision screenings will be completed by your Coordinator/FSS within 45 days if the child is at least 6 months.

Within 90 days, after the child turns one year:

Dental Exam Completed. Updated yearly.
Coordinator/FSS will complete anemia screenings as needed.

Head Start Health Requirements
Before their first day:

Copy of immunizations or waiver in file
As needed:
- Allergy Monitoring form completed and posted in an area accessible for staff reference but also ensures confidentiality.
- Emergency Care plan completed for children with allergies, asthma, or other serious medical concerns. All staff who will be working with the child should read and initial the form upon the child's enrollment and at least every four months for the duration of enrollment. Submit a copy to your Coordinator.

Within 30 days:

Copy of physical in file. Updated yearly.
Height and weight recorded.

Within 45 days:

ESI-R screener and ESI-R Parent Questionnaire completed.
Hearing and vision screenings will be completed by the Health Department or your Coordinator/FSS.

Within 90 Days:

Dental exam completed. Updated yearly.
Blood lead screening completed
Coordinator/FSS will complete blood pressure and anemia screenings as needed.

Physical Health

Dental Health

Forms for documenting allergies, chronic illnesses, and incidents.
Allergy & Health Monitoring Form
Emergency Care Plan
Illness/Incident Report

Tips for promoting physical health in your classroom and resources to share with families are available at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/physical-health.

Head Start Program Performance Standard 1302.43 Oral Health Practices.
A program must provide effective oral health hygiene by ensuring all children with teeth are assisted by appropriate staff, or volunteers, if available, in brushing their teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride once daily.
NMCAA will provide toothbrushes and toothpaste for all HS/EHS enrolled children.
Tips for promoting oral health in your classroom and resources to share with families are available at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/oral-health.
The Pacifier Predicament handout
Dental Brochure for families- Child
Dental Brochure for families- Baby
Dental Coloring Page
Sample Social Media posts on ECLKC about dental health

Health Notices for Communicable Diseases

HSPPS 1302.42 Child Health Status and Care
HSPPS 1302.43 Oral Health Practices
HSPPS 1302.46 Family Support Services for Health, Nutrition, and Mental Health