Head Start Health Managers Descriptive Study (HSHMDS)

Head Start program

The Head Start Health Managers Descriptive Study (HSHMDS) aims to provide a snapshot of health-related activities and programming within Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) programs. The HSHMDS will also identify the needs of health managers and staff as they work towards improving the health of Head Start children, parents, and staff.

The goals of the HSHMDS are to:

  • describe the characteristics of health managers and related staff in Head Start and Early Head Start programs;
  • identify the current landscape of Head Start health programs and services being offered to children and families;
  • determine how Head Start health initiatives are prioritized, implemented, and sustained;
  • and identify programmatic features and policy levers that support Head Start health services, including staffing, environment, and community collaboration.

The results of the study will be documented in a final report to be released in mid-2014.