Health & Nutrition
The foundation of Head Start is to provide a safe environment where health and dental needs are tracked and nutritious meals are served. Nursing, health and nutrition clerks are responsible for collecting and tracking health information for each child in the Head Start and Early Head Start Program. Parent Educators and Family Resource Advocates will keep you updated on your child’s health needs. Home Visitors will remind you to schedule appointments as needed and offer transportation if none is available to you. Health summaries will be presented at least four times a year to show what is needed to remain current per federal standards. You also may receive notes or telephone calls as reminders of health needs. Our program is required to keep these health needs current, so we are happy to assist you.
Required Health Needs:
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Current CDC Immunization Schedule
Nutrition and Activity
Nutritious meals and snacks are served to the children that follow the Office of Child Nutrition Guidelines. We strive to make an interesting and delicious variety of food offerings. Following the guidelines, we serve portions and components of meats, grains, fruit, vegetables, and milk. Children are served family style sitting at the table with the teachers. They learn to serve recommended serving sizes, butter bread, pour milk and water and carry-on interesting conversations learning about food and their sources. Each child if offered a “no thank you” bite of foods he/she says they do not like or have not tried in an effort to get them to try new foods. All food is provided free of charge to Head Start children.
First-Aid Training For Parents
Annually between January – March 31 during a parent meeting or on home visits a First Aid training is offered to all parents/custodians. We encourage you to participate and offer you a “mini first aid kit” when you complete it to help with basics of first aid in your home.
Health/Nutrition Materials
During the program year, NPHS will make current information available to you. This may be sent to your home or offered in parent meetings. Call us if you have any questions about the material or specific concerns about your child’s health.
Volunteers In the Classroom
We encourage parents and grandparents to volunteer in the classrooms and participate in special events. If you regularly help out in the classroom, we do require that you get a TB test from your doctor or local health department. Food Handlers cards are also required to help serve food in a safe, sanitary manner. We pay for the cost of the Food Handlers class. You may contact the home visitor to get a schedule of Food Handlers Classes held at your County Health Department. A copy of your card must be left with the teacher in the classroom.
Children with no Health Coverage
There are several options for health insurance for children in the State of West Virginia. Head Start home visitors and the health nurses can provide you with information to access health insurance for your child. We will do everything we can to help you obtain health insurance.
USDA Posting Requirement "Non-Discrimination Statement"
"USDA Non-Discrimination Statement"
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online here, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 - Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
For more information please contact:
Early Head Start Nurse
1 Orchard Road, Wheeling, WV 26003
304-233-3290