Health / Nutrition Services

HEALTH AND DENTAL EXAMS

Children will receive health and dental exams along with health and dental education as part of Head Start services. All exams and screenings follow the age appropriate EPSDT state guidelines.

NUTRITION CONSULTANTS

A Nutrition Consultant is available to each Head Start center.  This person helps develop the nutrition component of the program by visiting the centers to help staff meet children’s dietary needs.  The Consultant or Nurse will check each child’s height, weight, and blood test results.  The Consultant and Nurse will work with families on any suggested changes in their child’s diet.  Nutrition Consultants are also available to answer any questions families may have about good nutrition.

FOOD SERVICE

Mealtime is a pleasant opportunity for sharing, learning, and eating.  When eating “family style,” the group talks together as each person helps himself/herself to a portion from a serving dish and passes it on to the next person.  Staff and volunteers eat with the children.  Tables, chairs, dishes, glasses, silverware, and serving utensils are child size.  Children help set and clean up tables.  Head Start meal service is sponsored by the Minnesota/North Dakota Child and Adult Care Food Program or the Summer Food Service Program; therefore, we must serve certain types of foods, low in fat, sugars, and high in nutrients.