Developmental Services
Developmental Screenings
We use research-based, early childhood screeners to screen each child to find out if they are functioning in the typical range for their age level. These tools take into account both classroom performance and parent input and measure areas of thinking, language skills, self-help skills, social emotional skills, and motor skills. After the screening, we meet with the parents to discuss the findings. If there are any concerns, the teachers and parents will discuss a plan of action, sometimes including referrals for more in- depth assessment.
Speech and Language Screenings
We screen each child’s language development in all the languages they speak. The research-based speech and language screener tool we use checks to ensure speech sounds, words, and how vocabulary is used is in the typical range for children of that age. After the screening, we meet with the parents to discuss the findings. If there are any concerns, the teachers and parents will discuss a plan of action, sometimes including referrals to the Hamilton County School System or Tennessee Early Intervention Services for more in-depth assessments.
Hearing and Vision Screenings
With the consent of parents, each child participates in a hearing and vision screening shortly after enrollment. After our team of nurses and trained Family Support Advocates perform the screening, the parents are informed of the results. If the parents have any concerns, our staff will assist them in obtaining further evaluation and/or treatments by providing them with a referral to a qualified specialist.
Educational Services
We believe children learn best through rich interactions with other adults and their peers in safe and positive learning environments. As a result, our classrooms are filled with quality materials that encourage learning experiences that are fun for our students and our staff. Our teachers and caregivers use those materials to plan play-based, individualized activities that will use the following tools:
The Creative Curriculum
This research-based curriculum designed for children from ages 0-5 years and specializes in exploration and discovery as a way of learning and building confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills that will leave a lasting impact.
Personal Safety Curriculum
This preschool curriculum teaches personal safety in effective, age-appropriate ways. Some examples include teaching children what to do in the event of a fire or if they get lost. The safety of children is paramount to us.
Social/Emotional Curriculum
We use the Second Step Curriculum to promote social and emotional skills. This engaging curriculum uses play, games, stories, picture cards, breathing techniques and much more to give children the skills they need to self-regulate play well with peers.
Dual Language Classes
Learning other languages and cultures is one of the richest experiences we can offer our children. Many Head Start and Early Head Start classes provide the opportunity for children to learn English and Spanish. As children interact with bilingual teaching staff in language-focused play activities, they improve both their native language and the new language they are learning. What’s more, they have a blast doing it!
Health and Wellness Services
Dental Services
We recognize that it can be difficult to find pediatric dentists for very young children. Nevertheless, dental care is very important for our students so we ensure every child has at least one dental check per year. With the permission of the parents, a dentist volunteers to come to each of our classrooms to do a dental screening. We then report any findings to parents and assist with any necessary follow- up appointments. If a family simply needs a dental home, we can provide them with a current list of pediatric dentists in our community and, if they need, we will help them with their initial appointments.
Height and Weight Screenings
We assess each child’s height and weight to measure size and follow growth patterns. If parents have any concerns, we ensure they are referred to service best suited for their needs.
Nutrition Services
We serve every student in our program well-balanced, nutritious meals while they are in our care. All children are served breakfast and lunch. Many of our students also will enjoy an afternoon snack. Not only will our students eat healthfully during the day, they will also learn about healthy foods and practice healthy options as part of the Color Me Healthy curriculum used in our classrooms. Our students benefit from classroom food activities that spark curiosity, learning, and healthy eating habits.
Immunizations and Physical
We realize that it can be difficult to keep up with the recommended immunization and physical schedule. Our team of nurses will help parents keep their children up to date and are here to answer any questions they may have. We maintain a current list of pediatricians and can help parents find the best medical home for their children.
Mental Health Services
Mental health is how we think, feel, and act in order to face life’s situations. Mental health is how we look at ourselves,
our lives, and the people we know and care about. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, evaluate
our options, and make choices. Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life.
Everyone has mental health.
The Head Start/ Early Head Start Program’s Mental Health Team has the opportunity to help families and children
address the many challenges they may face. We have a strong, concrete prevention program that educates staff, parents,
and children in a way that allows them to practice newfound skills and receive support. We are here to help answer your questions and to help you ensure the emotional well-being of you and your family.
If you would like to talk to our mental health professional about anger management, parenting/positive discipline, anxiety, ADHD, sibling rivalry or any other topic, simply fill out the form below and someone will contact you as quickly as possible!
Family Support
Family Well-being
Chattanooga Head Start and Early Head Start recognizes that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. We believe that supporting the wellbeing of our families–in the ways they identify as most helpful–will empower parents to advocate effectively on behalf of their children. Our Family Support Advocates work alongside families to provide them the referrals and resources they need to achieve their goals. Our Advocate’s goal is success for each family, be it with job searches or continuing education or educational excursions that are chosen by parents.
Crisis and Transition
We recognize that families sometimes find themselves in tough transitions and even crisis. That is why we ensure our team of Family Support Advocates is well informed about all of the resources our community has to offer families during hard times. We partner with most community agencies to provide timely referrals to the services families need. Chattanooga Head Start and Early Head Start believes we are stronger together and ensures that no family falls behind.
Parent Committee and Policy Council
Parent Committee: We believe parent engagement is the key to a child’s success. For this reason, we have Parent Committees that meet monthly to discuss the issues facing their child’s center or classroom. In addition to being engaged with Head Start staff, our parents are encouraged to create a support network with one another by planning educational activities especially for parents. Parents who plan and participate in cultural experiences, workshops, arts and crafts activities, excursions to local attractions, and community service projects together form a tight bond that enriches their experience in Head Start. We believe that parent engagement empowers parents.
Policy Council: Each year some of the parents from the Parent Committees are elected to serve on one our governing bodies, the Policy Council. The majority of the council is comprised of the parents of currently enrolled students. The remaining representatives come from local agencies that serve families with small children. This allows parents to have the majority voice in issues such as financial reporting, new hires and terminations, the approval of new policies and procedures, and long-term planning and vision for our program!
Fatherhood
We believe fathers and other positive father figures play a critical role in the life and development of a child. Did you know that studies indicate…
- Fathers have a direct impact on the well-being and social behavior of their children.
- A father who has a good relationship with the mother of their children is more likely to be involved and spend time with their children.
- Children with involved, caring fathers have better educational outcomes.
- The influence of a father’s involvement on academic achievement extends into adolescence and young adulthood.
- Children with good relationships with their fathers are less likely to experience depression, and exhibit disruptive behavior.
This is why we offer a variety of unique activities and ways for fathers and other positive male figures to engage with the students at our centers. Be on the lookout for the one that is best for you and don’t forget to give us your ideas!