Because children must be healthy to learn and develop, Educare DC offers vital comprehensive health and wellness services to our low income families and children, including:
- Developmental screenings for our infant, toddlers and Pre-K children
- Assistance enrolling in Medicaid and WIC
- Management of chronic conditions including special health and nutrition needs
- On-site therapeutic services (i.e. physical, speech, and occupational therapy)
- On-site hearing, vision, and dental screenings
- Coordination with medical providers for immunizations and well-baby checks, and referrals to specialists when needed.
- Three healthy meals each day, provided free-of-cost via the Child & Adult Care Food Program
The comprehensive health philosophy is infused through Educare’s childcare program with daily health checks of each child, meals each day designed in consultation with a nutrition specialist, and a school garden as a source of food and learning for children and families.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is operated year-round by Educare DC. This program provides non-residential childcare services in Early Head Start and Head Start centers. The children can receive three meal types of breakfast, lunch, and snack which meet CACFP standards for healthy meals for children. Research shows that well-nourished children are healthier, more attentive, and have better mental performance than children who are under-nourished. Findings also indicate that children served by CACFP eat healthier food than children who bring food from home. The CACFP helps facilities implement “best practices” to ensure children have access to a variety of nutritious foods. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.