Special Needs

The Head Start Program is committed to providing comprehensive services to children with medical or developmental disabilities. If your child has a diagnosed disability or medical condition, please be sure to inform the teachers right away. If your child needs medication for his/her condition(s), we will need to have you and/or your doctor's permission to give any medicines. If your child has a medical condition that could require emergency medical treatment, the program will need a Care Plan on file before your child attends the program. A Care Plan provides instructions to the staff regarding any emergency care to be given to your child, if necessary.

Within 45 days of your child beginning the program, we will screen his/her vision and hearing, as well as his/her language, social and motor skills and behavioral functioning. If the screening identifies a possible delay or other concern a program staff member will contact you to discuss options for further evaluations and/or specialized services.

If there is a need to further evaluate your child, we will need your permission to do so. All steps and procedures will be explained to you before beginning any evaluation. If needed, specialized services will be made available to help your child work toward age appropriate skills. These services are provided through an Individual Education Program (IEP). The IEP is developed through your local school district with input from Head Start and you, the parent. Head Start can assist parents in the IEP process. If you have any questions regarding your child’s development or special needs services please contact the Special Needs/Transition Coordinator at 419-423-3755 or 1-800-423-3755, or contact your classroom teacher.