Professional Nurse Services for Vision and Hearing Outreach

 Specializing in Head Start/ Early Head Start Services 

1. Infant/Toddler Monthly Observations:
   
   • Conduct regular observations of infants and toddlers to track their development and well-being. Provide parents with reports detailing their child's progress and any notable observations.

1. Training Material:
   
   • Provide staff with training materials sourced from reputable sources such as Performance Standards, Caring for Our Children, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Ensure that staff receive certifications upon completing these trainings, which can be entered into Gateways for credit.

1. Annual Enrollee Assessment Questionnaires:
   
   • Administer annual assessment questionnaires to enrolled children to gather information on their health status. These questionnaires can cover areas such as TB/Lead exposure, diabetes risk, and other relevant health factors. Nurses can assist in completing physical assessments as needed.

1. Medication/Allergy Checks:
   
   • Conduct regular checks for medications and allergies present in all classrooms. Provide training to staff on managing medications and supporting children with chronic conditions. Implement systems to review and address any abnormal findings during physical exams.

1. Immunizations Monitoring:
   
   • Collaborate with health staff to monitor children's immunization records and ensure compliance with state requirements. Stay updated on immunization schedules and communicate with parents about any necessary vaccinations.

1. Parent Consultation:
   
   • Offer consultation services to parents upon request for addressing their child's health needs. Foster open communication and collaboration between parents, staff, and health professionals.

1. Health Advisory Committee:
   
   • Offer staff the opportunity to serve on a Health Advisory Committee if requested. This committee can provide input on health policies, procedures, and programming within the early childhood education setting.

1. Physical Measurements:
   
   • Regularly measure children's height, weight, and blood pressure to monitor their growth and overall health. Use this data to identify any potential concerns and collaborate with families and healthcare providers as needed.

1. Individual Health Plans (IHPs):
   
   • Develop individualized health plans for children with specific health needs in collaboration with their doctors and families. Ensure that staff are trained on implementing and monitoring these plans effectively.

1. Review of Health History:
   
   • Conduct thorough reviews of each child's health history to understand their unique needs and any past medical concerns. Use this information to inform care plans and interventions as necessary.

By implementing these components, your early childhood education program can prioritize the health and well-being of its students while providing comprehensive support to families and staff members.

 
​