Support healthy growth with nutrition programs designed for young children.

Sharon Baptist Head Start has established strong partnerships with numerous community health providers, many supported by formal agreements. As a trusted child day care center, the agency collaborates with these partners to help families access medical providers for both parents and children. When a family does not yet have a provider, efforts are made to establish a consistent “medical home.” Community partners understand the program’s health requirements and remain flexible in providing physical exams, hearing and vision screenings, dental care, and follow-up services. The organization aims to equip parents with resources, address challenges related to limited healthcare access and funding, and empower families to advocate for their child’s and family’s well-being.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Established partnerships with trusted healthcare providers
  • Access to physical, dental, vision, and hearing screenings
  • Nutrition plans tailored to dietary restrictions and medical needs
  • Mental health activities for children, families, and staff
  • Professional consultations from health and nutrition specialists
  • Collaborative Individual Service Health Plans (ISHPs)

Nutrition

At Sharon Baptist Head Start Pre-K in Bronx, NY, the nutrition team is trained in CACFP and NYC Agency Food Standards, with experience in both menu planning and child development. Partnerships with organizations such as Cornell University Cooperative Nutrition Extension Program, Eat Well Play Hard, and Nutrition Plus Network provide access to consultants who support staff training, monitor nutritional needs, and guide families toward healthy growth.

The Nutrition Plan outlines a collaborative approach where staff and parents work together to create meals that meet children’s needs, including special dietary requirements. Nutrition consultants and registered dietitians are involved when necessary to ensure appropriate meal planning. Efforts are made to ensure children with special diets feel included and comfortable during mealtimes.

For children with medical dietary conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes, a multidisciplinary team works with families to develop an Individual Service Health Plan (ISHP). This team includes the Health Coordinator, Family/Community Partnership Services worker, teacher, Disabilities Coordinator, Food Services Specialist, Nutrition Consultant, and Nutrition Coordinator.

All nutrition staff are trained in procedures for managing food allergies, special diets, and emergency situations. Classroom folders contain confidential nutritional information, such as ISHPs or nutritionist recommendations, ensuring staff are aware of each child’s needs. A discreet system, including a marked document, alerts staff to dietary considerations while maintaining confidentiality.

Nutrition Consultant at 917-617-5765.

Mental Health

Sharon Baptist Head Start offers an active mental health program designed to support children’s emotional, social, and psychological development within a nurturing environment. The program emphasizes each child’s strengths through classroom activities that encourage independence, group learning, and positive conflict resolution.

Mental health and wellness activities are provided throughout the year for children, parents, and staff. These include the use of Creative Curriculum, which focuses on social and emotional development, as well as workshops and resources for parents on topics such as child development, play, and positive parenting.

When concerns are identified through screenings, observations, or parent input, consultations are available with mental health professionals, including a psychologist consultant, Special Services Director, or Mental Health Coordinator. These professionals provide strategies to support the child’s development both in the classroom and at home.

Mental health services are introduced during parent orientation, and families participate in developmental screenings using social-emotional assessment tools. Results are reviewed by consultants, with follow-up tracked through the ChildPlus system. Teachers meet with parents three times annually to discuss progress and address concerns.

Wellness support is also extended to staff through structured programs outlined in the agency’s Employee Assistance Plan. Additionally, trained staff provide Mental Health First Aid courses to equip team members with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to individuals in distress.

For more information, please contact the Executive Director, Barbara Manners, bmanners@sharonbaptistheadstart.org. Learn how you may participate in Mental Health First Aid training to be offered in the future.

“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.”
– Former President Bill Clinton

Frequently Asked Questions

A medical home provides children with consistent, well-coordinated healthcare through dependable and trusted providers.
Customized plans and professional guidance ensure children with allergies or conditions receive meals that are safe and inclusive.
Families stay involved through health screenings, shared meal planning, educational sessions, and regular communication with teachers.
Staff are trained to act quickly using established emergency protocols and a confidential system to manage dietary health concerns safely.
An ISHP is developed by a team of professionals working together to address and support a child’s specific healthcare needs.

Shaping Young Minds Through Early Education

Give your child the opportunity to develop in a safe, engaging, and inclusive setting that supports each stage of growth. Our early education program fosters curiosity, confidence, and meaningful relationships. For further inquiries, please contact us. We would be glad to speak with you today.