Children and families are linked to a system of health care to assure that they have an ongoing source of continuous, accessible medical and dental care.

Reno County Head Start Prenatal to Five emphasizes the importance of early identification of health problems. Children receive health screenings at Head Start and Early Head Start or through the screening clinics. Screenings include: Dental, Vision, Hearing, Blood Pressure, Growth Assessment, and Immunization Status.

If a problem is identified through the screenings, Head Start staff members notify the parents and provide assistance to obtain further testing, evaluation, or treatment.

EARLY HEAD START HEALTH AND DENTAL SERVICES

Infants and toddlers are expected to receive regular well-baby checkups and lab work according to the KanBeHealthy schedule when they enroll in Early Head Start.

A complete (head to toe) physical exam on a regular basis is important for a baby. Babies are growing and changing rapidly during the first two years. Unknown health problems are more likely to be identified through regular well-baby checkups. An infant or toddler who has a health problem identified during this exam is encouraged to receive the necessary treatment. Early Head Start staff members work with families to help them achieve this goal.

Regular dental checkups are also essential to maintaining good dental health for a toddler and preventing the development of cavities. An infant or toddler who has a dental problem is encouraged to complete any necessary treatment. Early Head Start staff members work with families to help them achieve this goal.

HEAD START HEALTH AND DENTAL SERVICES

Children are expected to receive well-child checkups and dental exams when they enroll in Head Start.

Annual well-child exams according to the KanBeHealthy schedule are expected. A complete physical exam is important for a child. Unknown health problems are more likely to be identified this way. A child who has a health problem identified during this exam is encouraged to receive the necessary treatment to correct this problem. Head Start staff members work with families to help them achieve this goal.

A dental check-up should be done at least once every year. This is essential to maintaining good dental health for a child. The cleanings and fluoride treatments that most dentists provide are very beneficial for prevention of cavities. Furthermore, if there are any new cavities, the dentist can treat them early before the cavities become real big problems! A child who needs dental treatment is encouraged to complete the necessary treatment while enrolled in Head Start. Head Start staff members work with parents to help them achieve this goal.

The health of the Early Head Start and Head Start children is very important to all Head Start Prenatal to Five staff members. Staff members will assist families in scheduling and attending appointments as needed.

EARLY HEAD START PRENATAL SERVICES AND RESOURCES

Pregnant women enrolled in the Early Head Start program receive home visits and prenatal education from a Reno County Health Department Nurse Home Visitor, a collaborative partner with Early Head Start. Early Head Start also ensures that the pregnant woman receives prenatal care and obtains health insurance for the pregnancy and delivery.

Early Head Start prenatal women are screened for postpartum depression and follow up mental health services are provided when necessary.