Health and Wellness
The whole health of every child is supported. When children feel their best, they are ready to learn, grow, and thrive. A comprehensive approach is taken to ensure early childhood well-being by focusing on physical health, oral health, nutrition, mental health, and safety, all of which lays a strong foundation for lifelong wellness.
Comprehensive Health Screenings
Early identification is key to supporting healthy development. YDI Head Start provides comprehensive health and developmental screenings shortly after enrollment. These include:
- Vision and hearing tests
- Growth assessments (height, weight, BMI)
- Developmental screenings to monitor milestones and school readiness
- Lead and hemoglobin screenings, in partnership with local health providers
Our team works closely with families to track follow-up care and ensure children receive timely interventions when needed. We support families by connecting them with medical providers and community resources when additional care is necessary.
Oral Health Support
Oral health is a critical part of a child’s overall well-being. Poor dental health can affect a child’s ability to eat, speak, sleep, and learn. At YDI Head Start, we:
- Provide oral health screenings and dental referrals for every enrolled child
- Offer education on daily brushing and healthy eating habits
- Help families establish a dental home for regular checkups and preventive care
- Host toothbrushing activities in classrooms and provide dental hygiene supplies
We partner with local dental professionals to provide and guide families through the process of securing follow-up care.
Mental Health and Social-Emotional Development
Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. YDI Head Start promotes positive mental health and social-emotional development through:
- Onsite mental health professionals who support children, families, and staff
- Behavioral observations and individualized support plans
- Classroom strategies to foster emotional regulation, resilience, and self-confidence
- Parent consultations and referrals for ongoing mental health services when needed
We strive to create safe, nurturing environments where children feel secure, supported, and ready to learn, and where families are empowered to support their child’s emotional development at home.
By prioritizing physical, oral, and mental health, we ensure that every child gets the strong start they deserve.
To learn more, go to:
For information about Head Start Early Care and Education,
call 505-212-7239, 8 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday MST
or email rbloom@ydinm.org, or click below.