Child Health and Development

The Shelby County Head Start program focus on each child’s basic health needs as well as the healthy behaviors and practices that can prevent illness and enhance a child’s lifelong well-being.

Head Start children receive medical and dental care.  Head Start recognizes the importance of identifying and addressing health problems early in a child’s life so that they do not interfere with a child’s learning and development.  Shelby County Head Start arranges comprehensive health care for every child.  This includes a complete health examination with a screening for chronic and disabling conditions, a vision and hearing test, a dental exam, a speech screening, and immunizations.  Follow-ups are scheduled for children with any indication of problems.

Head Start has strict standards for safety and hygiene.  Shelby County Head Start staff is trained in CPR and other first-aid techniques.  In addition, the program is required to have procedures in place to prevent injuries and to respond to emergencies.  The program also complies with strict guidelines for toy safety and cleanliness.

Shelby County Head Start promotes mental health.  Staff works hard to promote the mental health of each child and family and have access to a mental health professional to help them identify children’s mental health needs so that treatment referrals can be made if services are necessary.