Health Services

The Health Service area requires the following when a child is enrolling into the Bethel Head Start Program:

• A current physical exam inclusive of PPD/Tuberculosis test
• Immunizations (according to the NYS Immunization schedule).
• Lead and Hemoglobin/Hematocrit levels
• A dental exam or screening (will assist in obtaining if barriers exist)

SCREENINGS:
The following screenings are to be completed by the child's physician or upon entry into the Bethel Head Start Program with parental permission by staff or collaboration with other professionals.

• Hearing
• Vision
• Blood pressure
• Height/Weight

EVENTS/COMMITTEES:
A yearly Teddy Bear Clinic is held which seeks to desensitize children towards their health care experience. Stations such as fit & nutrition, hearing clinics and germ city as the children go from station to station having their teddy bears get a check up.

Summer screening blitz are held each year in conjunction with our collaborative partners to screen children prior to entering into school that year for hearing, vision, blood pressure, speech, lead and dental. The screening blitz allows parents to meet Bethel Head Start staff as well as our collaborative partners.

Several times throughout the school year the Health Service Advisory Committee meets to discuss, review, plan, update and share health information beneficial for our children and families. This committee is made up of parents, staff and community providers who are instrumental in seeing that best health practices are carried out for our children while in our care.

STAFF CERTIFICATIONS:
Our staff is required to be certified in CPR/First Aid and Medication Administration to ensure safety and provide services to children who may have special health care needs.