NUTRITION AT HEAD START

Services

NUTRITION AT HEAD START

Head Start emphasizes good nutrition as a foundation for a child's health and development. The program ensures that every child receives well-balanced meals and engages in educational activities to build healthy eating habits.

 Meals and Nutrition Standards

•    Meals follow the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.
•    Meals served daily: Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack.
•    All participants (children, parents, staff, volunteers) eat together.
•    Children are encouraged to:

  • Try new foods
  • Serve themselves
  • Participate in setup and cleanup

•    Adults model healthy eating behaviors by eating the same foods as children.


Key Nutrition Policies

•    Food is never used as a punishment or reward.
•    Children are encouraged but not forced to eat.
•    Portion sizes follow USDA recommendations for 3–5 year olds.
•    "Clean plate" expectations are discouraged—no rewards for finishing food.


Oral Health Practices

•    Emphasis on dairy, fruits, vegetables, and limiting sugary foods.
•    Tooth brushing after breakfast and lunch is part of the daily routine to prevent tooth decay.


Special Diets and Allergies

•    Requires a doctor’s note specifying:

  • The special diet
  • Duration
  • Doctor’s signature and date

•    Menus and utensils are modified for children with disabilities or specific needs.
•    Updates are required if your child's dietary needs change.


Nutrition Education & Family Support

•    Classroom activities teach children about:

  • Healthy foods
  • Mealtime Behavior
  • Positive food attitudes

•    Families receive help with:

  • Menu planning and food prep
  • Budgeting meals
  • Understanding child nutrition
  • Balancing diet with physical activity
  • Oral health tips

Here's a clear summary of the Problem-Solving Process for Head Start:

  1. Start with the people directly involved – Talk to the individuals related to your concern first.
  2. If unresolved, contact the Child Service Manager – Call the Head Start office and ask to speak with the Child Service Manager.
  3. If still dissatisfied, contact the Head Start Director – You can call or write to them.
  4. Final appeal to the Executive Director – If the concern remains, you may appeal to the Executive Director, who will review the issue and take appropriate action.

The goal throughout is open communication and fact-based decisions.

Confidentiality Policy

Head Start respects the privacy of every child and family. All information in a child’s file, as well as any information shared by a family with Head Start staff, is kept confidential. This information will not be shared with anyone outside of the Head Start program without the written consent of the parent or guardian.

There is one exception: If a Head Start staff member suspects child abuse or neglect, they are legally required to report their concerns to the appropriate authorities, even without the family's consent.

Parents or legal guardians have the right to access only their own child’s file. No one is allowed to view the records of any other child. Information about a child or family may be shared internally with consultants or Head Start staff only when necessary for them to perform their job responsibilities and effectively support the family.