Child Health and Development Guidelines

This Technical Assistance Paper offers guidance to programs regarding the implementation of the Head Start Program Performance Standards on child health and developmental services, child health and safety, and child nutrition. The paper examines how physical health influences children’s development and how child health and development are integrated with parent engagement, community support, and systems planning. The paper also discusses how Head Start programs can promote a culture of healthy lifestyles in every classroom and home so that young children will embrace lifelong healthy practices. Finally, the paper explores specific health-related concerns of many Head Start programs, including establishing a medical and dental home, promoting oral health, addressing obesity and physical activity, and embracing cultural considerations in health. The paper is divided into these major sections:

An Ounce of Prevention: Building a Healthy Foundation for Learning
Keeping Kids Healthy: Ongoing Health Monitoring
Establishing Staff and Parent Communication
Promoting Child Health and Safety
Providing Nutrition Services
Individualizing Health and Education Services
Building Community Partnerships
Establishing Health Systems
Special Issues