- Attend school more regularly and achieve higher scores on standardized tests (10 percentile points higher on achievement tests)
- Have better records of attendance
- Are less likely to be placed in special education
- Are more likely to avoid high-risk behaviors such as substance abuse or violence
- Show improved behavior in homes and at school
- Display better social skills and adjustment to school
Fostering self-esteem is one of the primary objectives of the
overall program. Through preventative mental health care, teaching
staff are assisted to provide activities which enhance positive and
constructive relationships among children, inspire children to
strive to achieve success in overcoming adjustment problems or other
stressful situations in their lives. Through support groups and
parenting skills programs, parents are provided opportunities to
participate in training to enhance and maintain healthy
relationships within the family. Through community collaborations,
the program provides families with access to a variety of community
resources to help them address their child's or family's needs.
Kids Central’s philosophy is that schools and families are both partners in the healthy development of children. When families and schools work together the benefits for children – academically, socially and emotionally – are magnified. According to recent research, students who experience strong connections between their home and their schools
Kids Central’s philosophy is that schools and families are both partners in the healthy development of children. When families and schools work together the benefits for children – academically, socially and emotionally – are magnified. According to recent research, students who experience strong connections between their home and their schools
Mental Wellness Services
Kids Central, Inc. Head Start Program has a contract with
Southeast Dental Services to provide an initial dental screening of
all enrolled children in the program. This screening will be done in
a mobile dental clinic with certified dental staff on Kids Central
locations. A summary of the screening will be sent to families
through the classroom mail. If you have a dentist, we will work with
you to get your child there. If you do not have a dentist, we will
either help you find one and/or get your child service through our
contract with Southeast Dental Services.
Dental Services
Kids Central, Inc. offers vision, hearing, dental, growth, and
developmental screening to all children. Head Start performance
standards require that all screenings be completed in the first 45
days of attendance. Results will be sent to parents through
classroom mail. If any screening suggests a need for further
assessment, parents will be notified and assisted with obtaining
needed services
Screening
New and returning Head Start students must have a physical exam,
which is less than one year old and is signed by a physician, nurse
practitioner or physician assistant by the 30th day after
enrollment. An up-to-date immunization record must also be provided
by the 30th day. If the child’s physical exam/well child check is
due for renewal during the school year, the staff will contact the
family as a reminder for them to schedule an appointment with the
child’s medical home. If the exam is not completed within 30 days of
expiration, the child may be un-enrolled from the program
Physical Exams & Immunizations
We partner with medical professionals to ensure each child receives a
'Head Start' to live a healthy life. We support the families to meet the
needs of any follow-up treatments necessary.
- daily nutritious meals & snacks
- immunizations/shots
- hearing & vision screenings
- growth measurements
- tests for lead poisoning & anemia
- dental exams
- physical exams
- mental health support & counseling
- health education
- weight management support
- and more!
Kids Central creates healthy children
through:
Head Start recognizes the importance of early identification of
potential health concerns in children. Consequently, physical and dental
assessments are required initially and reviewed periodically. In
addition, vision and hearing assessments are conducted after enrollment.
Health and safety learning experiences are conducted to promote safety
in the home and in the community. Other experiences are provided to
support the social and emotional growth of children.
Emphasizing the importance of preventative health care, Head Start ensures that each child/family has primary health and dental care providers. Each child is required to have a complete physical and dental examination annually. In addition, there is a health-screening program to identify potential concerns in such areas as vision, hearing, blood pressure and physical development. Health Education is an integral part of Head Start. In order to provide for the safety and well being of children, parents and staff, an on-going training program regarding infection control procedures, first aid/CPR and health maintenance techniques is offered at least annually.
The learning process is diminished when a child is hungry or unhealthy. Head Start strongly believes that a child must be healthy in order to learn.
Emphasizing the importance of preventative health care, Head Start ensures that each child/family has primary health and dental care providers. Each child is required to have a complete physical and dental examination annually. In addition, there is a health-screening program to identify potential concerns in such areas as vision, hearing, blood pressure and physical development. Health Education is an integral part of Head Start. In order to provide for the safety and well being of children, parents and staff, an on-going training program regarding infection control procedures, first aid/CPR and health maintenance techniques is offered at least annually.
The learning process is diminished when a child is hungry or unhealthy. Head Start strongly believes that a child must be healthy in order to learn.
Health & Dental Services
Serving the Head Start Community Since 1965
