Medical & Health Information

 

Every child who enters the Head Start program is required to have a physical exam within 90 days of entering the program.  Most children have already had an exam in the past six months, which will qualify as this exam, however some children need to have an exam scheduled as soon as possible to meet this requirement.  Generally a Medical Card or insurance will cover a well-child exam so there is little or no expense to the parent/guardian.  If the family cannot afford this exam and does not have a medical card or insurance, our family services staff are glad to assist in applying for the Idaho CHiPs medical card program.


Every child who enters the Head Start program is also required to have a dental exam within 90 days of entering the program.  Most children have already had an exam in the past six months, which will qualify as this exam, however some children need to have an exam scheduled as soon as possible to meet this requirement.  Generally a Medical Card or insurance will cover a dental exam and tooth cleaning every six months, so there is little or no expense to the parent/guardian.  If the family cannot afford this exam and does not have a medical card or insurance, our family services staff are glad to assist in applying for the Idaho CHiPs medical card program.  Program staff will track and follow-up to help the family remember to complete the next 6-month exam and any needed follow-up treatment after each exam.

In partnership with ISU Dental Hygiene Department, Head Start children are offered a Fluoride Varnish Treatment program at no cost to the family while they are in the Head Start program.  Three times during the program year ISU Dental Hygiene students "paint" the children's teeth with a fluoride varnish that is a wonderful "add-on" treatment to any current dental program a child is already participating in.  This is completely safe, and each parent/guardian is provided with information and a permission form upon intake into the Head Start program.

Regular tooth brushing is a part of each day in the Head Start classroom.  All children are issued a tooth brush of their very own that is labeled and kept sanitized for their use while at school.  Children brush teeth together as a class daily as a class, and learn about the importance of good dental hygiene.

Each child entering the Head Start program will receive health and education screenings as a part of Head Start services.  Height, weight, vision and hearing are some of the screenings your child will benefit from.  Parents will have the opportunity to ask classroom teachers about these screenings, and any results that cause concern will be discussed with parents so follow-up testing can be scheduled with the appropriate professionals.

All children entering Head Start are required to follow School District #25 and State of Idaho immunization requirement policy.  Family services staff will take a look at each child's immunization record at the application appointment and recommendations may be made to update a child's immunizations and/or consult your doctor about the right immunizations for your child.

Have you ever wondered how immunizations work to protect your child?

 

Idaho School Requirements for Immunizations (click here)


click this image to download more info on the food pyramid


All Head Start menus meet Idaho Child Care Food Program requirements and are looked over by a registered dietician before being prepared for children.  A Nutrition Team Meeting is held monthly and parents/staff are welcome to attend and offer their input at this meeting.  There is also a committee, the Health Advisory Committee, that meets at least twice each year, made up of parents, staff, and community members for the purpose of determining safe policy regarding health and nutrition related issues for our Head Start program.


 
 

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This website was made possible by Grant #10-CH-0073 from the US Dept. of Health & Human Services.  Its contents are solely the responsibility of Pocatello/Chubbuck Head Start and do not necessarily represent the official views of the US Dept. of Health & Human Services.   School District #25 is the Grantee for Pocatello/Chubbuck Head Start.  

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, 140 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800)795-3272 or (202)720-6382(TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.