Health is the foundation of school readiness. To help children thrive, Head Start and other early childhood program staff ensure that children are up to date on immunizations and their state’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) schedule, and learn healthy habits. Promoting physical health includes taking steps to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and using health screenings to identify any hearing, vision, or special health care needs. Programs also promote the physical well-being of families and staff.

Infectious Diseases

Explore these resources to find information and tools that staff can use to reduce the risk of infection for children, families, and staff in Head Start settings.

Hearing and Vision Screening

Explore this collection of resources to learn about hearing and vision screening best practices and for strategies to use when talking with families about screenings.

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment

The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) service is Medicaid's comprehensive and preventive child health program.

Physical Health Resources for Families

Share these resources with families to help them access ongoing well-child care, understand and follow up on health screenings, and build healthy habits for the whole family.