Individual Programming
Our program meets the individual needs of each child and his or her parents/guardians by using the following procedures:
Health Screenings
All children enrolled in Head Start must have a physical and dental exam/screening within 90 days of enrollment. All children enrolled in Early Head Start must have a physical within 90 days and program staff will do a dental assessment. Your child will also be screened for hearing and vision within the first 45 days of the program year. The height and weight measurements will be taken two times during the school year. If any problems appear, the Health Coordinators will contact you. If needed, a referral may be made to a special service agency.
Education Screenings
Your child’s ability in the areas of speech and language, cognitive development, fine and gross motor skills will be checked. Screenings will occur within 45 days of enrollment. Early Head Start and Head Start children will be screened using Brigance. If any concerns appear, our education staff will contact you.
Family Partnership Agreement (FPA)
Each Head Start and Early Head Start family will complete a family needs assessment and outline a family partnership agreement with their child’s teacher, home visitor, care teacher or family services coordinator. The family partnership agreement will help families identify with strengths and goals they want to work on. Staff can assist families and help provide referral information for services such as WIC, counseling, fuel assistance, food stamps, emergency services, food pantries, legal aid and more. If your family is already working on goals with another agency, we can collaborate into a single plan.
Special Services
Head Start/Early Head Start’s health and disabilities services component staff will assist parents in finding needed special services for children in the areas of health and/or education. The education staff will provide extra assistance to teachers who are serving children with special needs.
Children with Disabilities
All children enrolled as having special needs must be diagnosed by a qualified professional. All information collected is used exclusively to plan and evaluate the child’s program year concerning his or her health and educational needs. A referral is made when the information deviates from normal standards. Appropriate staff will contact parents/guardians if a referral is necessary.
Individual Child Development Plan
After developmental, health and dental screening results are complete, the teacher, care teacher or home visitor and parent/guardian will discuss goals for each child. This will be used during the year along with observations and portfolios to keep an up-to-date record of the child’s developmental progress. Preschool children will also have an individual child profile that tracks cognitive, physical and social/emotional and language development.