Child Health in Child Care: A Multi-state Survey of Head Start and Non–Head Start Child Care Directors

Abstract 

Introduction

Directors of Head Start (HS) and non–Head Start (non-HS) child care centers were surveyed to compare health consultation and screening for and prevalence of health risks among enrolled children.

Methods

Directors of licensed centers from five states were surveyed from 2004 to 2005. Data were analyzed using cross-tabulation and logistic regression techniques.

Results

A total of 2753 surveys were completed. HS centers were more likely than non-HS centers to consult health professionals (P < .0001). More than 90% of HS centers screened for health problems compared with 64.9% of non-HS centers (P < .0001). Almost all HS centers provided parents with child health information. Children at HS centers were at high risk for dental problems. Less than 3% of HS center directors, versus 11.3% of non-HS directors (P < .0002), reported TV viewing for more than an hour a day.

Discussion

Children in HS centers were more likely to receive health consultations and screenings, were at higher risk for dental problems, and watched less TV compared with children in non-HS centers. HS centers promoted health significantly more frequently than did non-HS centers.

Key words: Head Start, child care, health screening, health consultant, health education