HEALTH SERVICES
Health is the foundation of school readiness.
To help children thrive, NWA Head Start and Early Head Start staff ensure that children are up-to-date on immunizations, receive preventative health screenings according to the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) schedule, and can access the care they need.
NWA Head Start and Early Head Start also promotes oral health practices by teaching proper tooth brushing techniques and how to find a dentist.
To promote healthy development, every child needs a source of continuous, accessible health care that is available even after the child leaves Head Start.
NWAHS Health Component offers:
● Referrals to local healthcare professionals for those families without a medical or dental home.
● Referrals and follow-up are provided for health concerns identified on all physical and dental exams.
● Health education and training provided by Health Manager to staff, parents, and children.
● Immunization schedules and reminders provided for children identified as being past due.
● Developmental screenings that allow for early detection of health and developmental concerns.
Children with private health insurance, Medicaid, ARKids First-A, or ARKids First-B coverage should have a EPSDT Physical Examination form completed by a medical professional, and Dental Verification form completed by a dentist within 90 days of entry into the Head Start Program.
Important Links:
To learn about and apply for free or low cost health insurance for children, visit:
Required Child Care Immunizations (from pg 76 of the Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers publication - Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services:
https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/12.2020_CCC_.pdf
Community Health Centers:
Health Departments: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov
Benton County: 1202 SW 14th Bentonville, AR 72712 479-271-1055
Lowell WIC Clinic 107-A South Lincoln Lowell, AR 72745 479-770-6232
Madison County: 709 North College PO Box 800 Huntsville, AR 72740 479-738-2612
Carroll County:402 Hailey Road Berryville, AR 72616870 423-2923
Health Services Advisory Committee:
All Head Start and Early Head Start programs are required to establish and maintain a Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) to support children’s healthy development. The HSAC is an advisory group usually composed of local health providers who represent a wide variety of local social services agencies. They may include pediatricians, nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, nutritionists, and mental health providers. Head Start staff and parents also serve on the HSAC. Effective partnerships are key to the success of this approach. HSACs help programs to make decisions about health services and strengthen the communities where Head Start families live.