What are the primary community health risk factors faced by Head Start programs?
The primary risk factors included substance abuse, low parenting skills, lack of available support services for families, poor nutrition, and poverty. Child abuse and neglect and community violence were also mentioned, particularly by staff responsible for mental health services. What are the community resources that are used most by Head Start programs? Each Head Start program must link with the service providers in the community and be responsive to the needs of these communities. Head Start staff reported that many services are provided by organizations, rather than by individual providers. Examples of these organizations include public health agencies, private group providers, mental health organizations, and public interest/service organizations. The services most often provided include medical screenings and services, vision screenings and eye care, immunization services, dental services, and nutrition and meal planning services. Most of the parents reported receiving information
