Head Start Health Services Competencies Modules

Explore these modules to learn more about health and leadership competencies. The competencies can help Head Start health staff deliver comprehensive services. Staff can use these modules to develop and strengthen the attitudes, knowledge, and skills they need to effectively support the health, safety, and wellness of young children and their families.

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Supporting Community Health Partnerships

Learn how to identify the people and agencies who can assist in strengthening Head Start health services, and learn about the importance of creating partnerships with local health care providers and agencies to meet the needs of children and families.

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How to Find and Use Health Data

Learn about the importance of using community, program, and child health data to deliver health services. Health data can help programs make improvements and develop approaches to ensure every family receives the health care they need.

Creating a Culture of Staff Wellness

In this module, explore how to create an environment that enhances staff physical and mental health. Learn how ensuring staff wellness can reduce stress or depression, unhealthy weight, and infectious diseases.

Fundamental Values, Knowledge, and Skills to Manage Health Services

To manage health services effectively, leaders should understand how health influences school readiness and how their own beliefs may affect their interactions with others in their Head Start program. This module will prepare those who manage health services to reflect on their own understanding of health and wellness, and to consider how to use requirements and regulations to identify important health practices to implement and model for others.

Principles of Health and Wellness

Understanding the general principles of health and wellness promotion, prevention, early identification, and intervention will help leaders and staff implement effective health services. Explore this module to learn more about how health services can contribute to healthier children, families, and staff.

Health Education for Children, Families, and Staff

Health education requires knowing what information is important, providing information in a way that others can understand, and ensuring the information is culturally and linguistically responsive. Explore this module to learn how to provide children, staff, and families with health education that will empower them to make good health choices.

How to Find Science-Informed and Evidence-Based Health Information

Families and other staff members look to health services staff for health information they can trust. Use this module to learn how to find and use current, accurate, and consistent health information to support the health and safety of children and develop evidence-informed program policies and procedures.

Health Services Competencies

Health Services Management

Health Services Management