Chapter 124: Basic Approval Standards for Public Preschool Programs is fully in effect as of July 1, 2017, and there is a need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of school nurses and Head Start health services staff in order to meet both Head Start program, and Maine Department of Education standards.
Specifically, public school nurses and teachers as well as Head Start health services staff must know that all of the health requirements for each party are being met while not duplicating services.
The Maine Department of Education has collaborated with State Head Start representatives and Child Development Services to create a sample Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for public schools that collaborate with Head Start to deliver 4-year old programs. The MOA outlines what is required for each program and allows partners on the local level to decide who is will be responsible.
This “Health Services Memorandum of Agreement” may be used as an addendum to the SAU/Head Start Memorandum of Understanding that is required in partnerships.
The Health Services MOA includes all the requirements of both Head Start and Chapter 124; Head Start is responsible for the additional federal requirements. However, it is important to note who will take responsibility for the overlapping requirements. It also outlines who will create the individual health plan, train in medication management as well as how information will be shared.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of the following:
Emily Poland, RN, School Nurse Consultant at emily.poland@maine.gov or 207-624-6688, or Sue Reed, Early Childhood Specialist at susan.d.reed@maine.gov or 207-624-6632.