Service/Program:
Child & Family Development – Comprehensive Services
Description of service/program:
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.
Medical & Dental Health:
Community Action Wayne/Medina supports parents in securing health insurance and staying on target with required examinations and immunizations. 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.
As with medical exams and treatment above, our staff works with parents and community dental providers to ensure proper care is received.
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.
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:
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:
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.
Service limitations (income, geographic, hours, etc):
Priority is given to families with an Ohio Job and Family Services Childcare Voucher.
Referral contact information:
Complete application form:
Community Action Wayne / Medina – https://communitynavigator.theconnectorproject.org/community-action-wayne-medina/