A child’s physical and mental well-being heavily influences their ability to focus, learn and develop academically. We provide screenings and services that help ensure each child has the resources needed to be successful. From dental, vision and physical exams to hearing screenings and access to immunizations, we work with parents to ensure children have the foundation they need to excel.
Nutrition
Nourishing food is a foundation for developmentally appropriate learning experiences, making mealtime an important learning opportunity for children. Head Start ensures that your child receives a healthy breakfast, lunch and snack. We promote healthy eating habits with the hope of establishing life-long healthy habits for children and their families. Working with a registered dietician, Central Kentucky Head Start administers the following nutrition programs and activities:
- Child & Adult Care Food Program
- Backpack Program
- LANA Curriculum (Learning About Nutrition through Activities)
- Two-Bite Club
Physical Health
Our goal is to ensure that every Head Start student has the best opportunity to learn. Preventative health measures are taken along with follow-up treatments to detect any health conditions that may impact a child’s ability to learn. Head Start requires that each child have a completed physical exam, an up-to-date immunizations record, vision exam and blood lead test with results within 45 days of enrollment.
Our team can assist families with making appointments and referrals. We can even help arrange transportation as needed to obtain any required health exams or screenings. If not performed by the child’s physician, each child will receive the following screenings on site with parent or guardian permission:
- Hearing Screening / Observation
- Growth Assessments
- Speech Screening / Observation
- Dental Screening
Social and Emotional Health
Equally important to a child’s academic development, is their social and emotional health. Under the guidance of our social and emotional health manager, Central Kentucky Head Start emphasizes social and emotional learning. Utilizing a variety of assessment and learning tools, we work to identify risk behaviors and create individualized plans for each child’s success. We also work with families to support social and emotional health growth at home.