Health Status of Children Enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs in Boston

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of children ages zero to five enrolled in Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start (HS) Programs in order to establish the rate and types of medical conditions and assure that comprehensive health services are in place for all enrolled children. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using electronic records of children currently (as of January 2011) enrolled in ABCD HS and EHS programs in Boston. The total number of children included in the study was 2,403. Results: Of the 2,403 enrolled children, 766 (32%) are diagnosed with medical conditions. This number does not include children with learning disabilities, language delay, or oral health issues. Of the 766 with medical conditions, 381 children are diagnosed with asthma, which constitutes 50% of all children with medical conditions. In addition to asthma, 305 children (40%) have various types of allergies, including food and environment. Lastly, 451 (59%) of children with diagnosed health problems receive medication at school ordered by their health care providers. Conclusions: A large proportion of children enrolled in EHS and HS programs in Boston have health problems. Asthma and allergies are the most prevalent medical conditions among this group of children. The ABCD HS and EHS programs need to conduct early needs assessment and identify recourses to meet children's health needs. The programs need to work closely with parents, health care providers and other community partners to assure that comprehensive health services are provided to all children, as mandated by the Head Start, the federal government's largest preschool program for low-income children.