Staff who are new to Health Services in Head Start will be empowered and inspired by lessons that cover HSPPS, the connection between health and school readiness, CACFP guidelines and more. New staff will leave this course prepared to begin their health services journey.

This course was created specifically for new health services staff to prepare them for the Health Services Certification. This course introduces the many responsibilities of a health services staff, as well as the tools that are needed to successfully execute those responsibilities. The activities in this course will provide the foundation for developing the Health Services Certification portfolio.

Course Information:

• Start Date: On-Demand
• Course Level: Beginner
• Prerequisites: None
• Target Audience: All staff/health staff
• Course Meetings Times: None
• Completion Timeline/Duration: 4 hours

Module Topics:

• Head Start Program Performance Standards and Health Services
• Physical Health
• Oral Health
• Mental Health
• Nutrition
• Parent Engagement
• Staff Wellness
• Safety

Head Start Alignment:

This course supports programs in meeting the 1302 Subpart D—Health Program Services of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) in which programs must “provide high-quality health, oral health, mental health, and nutrition services that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and that will support each child’s growth and school readiness.”

This course is preparation for the Health Services Certification, which meets the requirement.

Course Author:

Jackie Rivera

Jackie has been a Health Administrator at a Head Start in central Missouri for over 10 years and is a Certified Community Action Professional. Before becoming a nurse, Jackie spent 10 years as an early childhood education teacher. Jackie oversees health and safety at her agency and is project manager for the agency’s Childhood Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Project and Women and Infant Relief Program. Jackie is a Licensed Practical Nurse, Child Development Associate, and Lactation Counselor. Jackie is certified to train in many topics, such as Compassion Fatigue, CPR/First Aid Motivational Interviewing, I Am Moving, I Am Learning, Family Wellness, Infant Massage, Mind in The Making, and Experiential Facilitation. Jackie has had the honor of being named for a National Child Plus Community Service Award and received MOCAN Healthcare Profession Award.