Head Start Program Information Memorandum (IM): Accessing Professional Medical and Dental Services September 17,2009 Presented by: Matilda Elizondo Office Cell

Performance Standards (f)(2)(i)(ii) Assist parents in a system of ongoing family health care and encourage parents to be active partners in child’s medical and dental health care to accompany their child to medical and dental examinations and appointments.

Cont’d Performance Standards (a)(1)(i) (Programs) Make a determination as to whether or not each child has an ongoing source of continuous, accessible health care. If child does not have a source of ongoing health care, grantee and delegate agencies must assist the parents in accessing a source of care

Challenges to accessing medical and dental services Finding medical and dental providers Limited Pediatric providers Health care providers not accepting Medicaid, CHIP. Limited number of children accepted. Strict lateness or “no-show” policies of Providers. Health providers unaware of requirements for EPSDT schedule and Head Start Performance Standards.

Strategies to engage community health care providers Health Advisory Committee can be an resource to identify, recruit, and engage providers in the community. Direct person to person contact Engage Providers to give presentations to Head Start staff and families. Collaborate with providers office to help families keep appointments.

Connecting children to care resources Staff assist families in applying for Medical or Chips benefits If not eligible for Medicaid or Chips refer to Qualified Health Center designed to offer sliding fee scale for those uninsured. –South Plains Rural Health Service (Hockley) (Levelland) 806/ –Community Health Center of Lubbock, (Lubbock) (Lubbock) 806/ –Regence Health Network (Hale) (Plainview) 806/

Additional resources for access to medical and dental services Health Advisory Committee informs staff of resources offered at reduced cost. Department of State Health Services resources include: –Medicaid/Texas Health Steps –Immunizations –Oral Health screenings and education

Use of Head Start grant funds Head Start funds may be used when no other source of funding is available. –Written documentation required. HS Health Services Advisory Committee HSAC can help – – Developing policies and procedures to identify resources to pay for services, –Assists parents with such resources, –Designate availability of funds to pay for services.

How can you help? Both partners & HS Staff on the same page when addressing parents Support preventive care Recognize impact illnesses and dental problems have on children's learning and behavior Open communication

Awareness of targets 45 days screening events –Vision Strabismus –Hearing –Physical Height Weight Hematocrit or hemoglobin Blood Pressure Lead results –Dental –TB Questionnaire

Process to complete follow-ups Review of physical and dental form by nurses. If follow-up is needed work with field staff/parent. On-going care provided until closure of condition is stated by provider. Continue observation for new or recurring conditions

How can school nurses or school liaisons help? Assist in 45 day screenings- vision/hearing, ht/wt, blood pressure Participate and review copy of children's Individual Health Plans to track chronic conditions. Communicate health concern to FSW and Health Services Staff Call Associate Director for Program Development/QA 806/

Early Identification +Locating resources + Collaboration +Providing treatment/services +Overall awareness & involvement = Health Students