Comprehensive Services is a team approach to serving families that are enrolled in the Head Start program. CAW/M understands that for children to be ready to learn, they have to be healthy and secure. We also understand that parents often need support in order to fulfill their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Comprehensive services are provided for children and caregivers in the areas of education, health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, parent engagement, and more.
Medical & Dental Health
All children have a right to good health. Community Action Wayne/Medina supports parents in securing health insurance and staying on target with required examinations and immunizations. We encourage physical activity for children and adults to help promote a healthy lifestyle.
Children with special medical needs are welcome in our programs. Our health specialist will work with parents and medical professionals to ensure staff has the training and supplies needed to care for each child.
Dental health is also an extremely important aspect of children’s healthy development. As with medical exams and treatment above, our staff works with parents and community dental providers to ensure proper care is received. We also educate children on the importance of taking care of their teeth and model toothbrushing every day.
Nutrition
All children enrolled in the Head Start center-based program are provided nutritious meals free of charge as part of the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program. Meals and snacks follow strict dietary guidelines and we can accommodate special diets and allergies with a physician’s statement. Children’s meals are served family style to teach children skills such as passing, pouring, serving, and waiting their turn. Conversation during meal time is child focused and inclusive of all children which teaches conversation and social skills.
All children’s nutritional status is assessed at least annually. Those children who have been identified as needing intervention receive nutritional referrals and/or support from our Nutrition Family Visitor. CAW/M’s Nutrition Family Visitor also provides demonstrations and training on healthy eating, activity, and meal preparation throughout the year.
Disabilities
Children with all physical and developmental abilities are welcomed in CAW/M programs. In fact, Head Start and Early Head Start programs are required to have a minimum of 10% of the funded enrollment be children with disabilities. If your child has an existing Individualized Family Service Plan/Individualized Education Plan (IFSP/IEP), staff will work in collaboration with the Local Education Agency and individualize lesson plans to focus on the child’s goals. All children are assessed regularly using observation and screening results and can be referred for further evaluation if needed.
CAW/M’s staff are also here to support parents in advocating for their child’s needs. We will attend IFSP/IEP meetings with parents to ensure their voice is heard when developing goals and plans for their child and also educate parents as to their rights and their child’s rights in regard to special services.
Mental Health
Children from birth to 5 years are learning to develop social-emotional relationships with their peers and adults as they explore their environments. CAW/M partners with contracted mental health professionals who observe in the classrooms and provide coaching for teachers on how to support children. Any child who is having difficulty interacting with peers or adjusting to changes inside or outside of the center may receive more individualized support.
Parent, Family, & Community Engagement (PFCE)
PFCE is the cornerstone of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. When children see their parents taking an active interest in their education, the child is more likely to be interested as well.
We offer a variety of ways for parents and community members to be engaged with the program:
Policy Council:
In partnership with the agency’s board of directors, the HS/EHS program is governed by the Parent Policy Council. This group is comprised of elected representatives from each center and the home base region. Members meet on a monthly basis and have the responsibility to provide input to and approve grant applications, staff hires, agency goals, and more.
Parent Meetings:
Each center and home base region also has monthly parent meetings to discuss the curriculum and any other items or events specific to the center. Any parent or guardian who wishes to attend is welcome.
Male Involvement:
Dads and all other positive male role models are encouraged to participate in the program. Research shows that children are more likely to thrive when they have an active male role model in their lives. The goal of our programs is to strengthen the role of the father in the child’s development.
Volunteers:
Parents, caregivers, and community members who are unable to participate formally are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer their time in other ways. Whether it is reading stories, sharing a special skill, or assisting with class projects, your time is much appreciated. CAW/M is required to match our federal funding through in-kind donations. Most of that donation comes from volunteer time. Contact us to find out how you can help.
