Champlain Valley Head Start Resources
Champlain Valley Head Start has a number of “internal” resources available to Head Start and Early Head Start families. The following is a selection of the types of resources available. In addition to printed materials, CVHS contracts with a variety of professionals in our community who are available to work with CVHS families as needed. Parents who are seeking specific resources not listed below are encouraged to contact their Head Start / Early Head Start staff member, or to contact the CVHS Administrative Office at (802) 651-4180.
Champlain Valley Head Start Parent Handbook: Each year, CVHS distributes copies of the CVHS Parent Handbook to newly enrolled families. The Parent Handbook contains information about what makes Head Start special, and general information about program policies and practices. Click here to download the Parent Handbook.
Registered Nurse Consultants: CVHS contracts with Registered Nurse consultants. For Early Head Start, these services focus on assuring prenatal and postpartum support and education, as well as health services for infants and toddlers, and for Head Start these services focus on assuring health exams and medical treatment for preschool children. Enrolled families interested in additional support from CVHS Nurse Consultants should contact CVHS Health Services Coordinator, Elizabeth Valitchka, at (802) 651-4180 ext. 206.
Registered Dental Hygienists (“Tooth Tutors”): CVHS contracts with Registered Dental Hygienists (“Tooth Tutors”) who promote positive oral health practices for Head Start / Early Head Start children and families; improve access to preventive oral health care for this population; work with the dental community to better meet the needs of program participants; and assure that program participants receive any needed follow up treatment to address oral health issues. Enrolled families interested in additional support from CVHS Tooth Tutors should contact CVHS Health Services Coordinator, Elizabeth Valitchka, at (802) 651-4180 ext. 206.
Mental Heath Consultants: Head Start works with mental health professionals and agencies in local communities. Head Start Mental Health Consultants conduct classroom and group socialization observations to enhance children’s learning environments, provide staff and parent workshops around child mental health, and are available for individual meetings with families to offer help in addressing parents’ concerns and providing appropriate referrals if needed.
Enrolled families interested in additional support from CVHS Mental Health Consultants should contact CVHS Special Needs Coordinator, Patti Smith, at (802) 651-4180 ext. 208, or CVHS Early Head Start Coordinator, Denise Menshouse, at (802) 651-4180 ext. 213.
Registered Dietitian: Head Start promotes healthy nutrition for children and families. Head Start conducts a nutrition assessment for every child, provides well-balanced, nutritious meals and snacks for children at Head Start and Early Head Start classroom options, and incorporates nutrition education into curriculum and services for children and families.
CVHS contracts with a registered dietitian to assist in assessing healthy diet and nutrition for enrolled children and families, and in providing individual and group consultations. Enrolled families interested in additional support from the CVHS Registered Dietitian should contact CVHS Administrative Manager / Nutrition Coordinator, Missy Lawlor, at (802) 651-4180 ext. 200.
