Health is the foundation of learning. Positive educational outcomes, for children, occur best in a climate of family wellness. Many programs do not have the health staff to successfully carry-out the health, mental health, oral health and nutrition requirements mandated by the Head Start/Early Head Start program, and therefore, rely heavily on case management and Family Services Workers. Family Services Workers are in a unique position to build relationships with families and promote child and family wellness, but often, they are provided with little to no training.

Partners in Practice: Health & Nutrition for Family Services Staff is an intensive two-day training institute. The institute will provide Family Services staff with the basic knowledge of medical, mental, oral health, and nutritional health necessary to effectively support the comprehensive health services mandated for Head Start/Early Head Start children. Participants will also discover their role in promoting family wellness and how they can support parents in participating in ongoing health care. This training will also address the current health care system, documentation and record keeping, health resources, and techniques for working with children and families.