Immunization Schedules
Find current immunization schedules (from the CDC) for children ages birth through 6 years old, catch-up schedules for children birth to 18 years old and the adult schedule by vaccine and age group.
Physical Health
Health is the foundation of school readiness. To help children thrive, Head Start staff ensure that children are up to date on immunizations and their state’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) schedule, learn healthy habits, and can access the care they need. Head Start programs also promote the physical and social and emotional well-being of families and staff.
Testing Your Facility's Drinking Water for Lead
The only way to know if there is lead in your program’s water is to test it. This tip sheet will answer your questions about testing for lead in your program's drinking water.
Steps to Take if There Is Lead in Your Drinking Water
This tip sheet will answer your questions about what to do if there is lead in your program's drinking water.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Learn the facts about pertussis, how to prevent it, and what to do if someone in your program has it.
Caring for Young Children Living with Sickle Cell Disease
This resource includes tips and information for Head Start staff and other early childhood program staff to care for a child with sickle cell disease.
Health Needs of Children Facing Rural Homelessness
This resource helps staff learn about and meet the health needs of children facing rural homelessness. Discover strategies to support health-related needs in rural communities.
Sesame Street Resources for Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
Explore these resources created by the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety and Sesame Workshop to support healthy practices in early childhood settings.
Infectious Diseases
Explore these resources to find information and tools that staff can use to reduce the risk of infection for children, families, and staff in Head Start programs.
Head Lice
The discovery of head lice can be alarming, but families, teachers, and caregivers can manage lice with very little disruption to a child’s routine. Explore these tips for dealing with head lice.
Influenza
Influenza, or “the flu," is a contagious disease that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes lungs. Learn more about the symptoms, how Head Start programs can address influenza, and proper hand-washing techniques.