Sun Safety

We spend a lot of time outdoors and always make sure we are protecting children from the sun. With written parent permission, staff will apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of children, prior to going outside. Infants under the age of 6 months will wear protective clothing and stay in a shaded area. A doctor’s note is needed to apply sunscreen to children under 6 months. We try to limit sun when UV rays are strongest and provide shade in our outdoor environments. ​

Teeth Brushing

Teachers will assist children in developmentally appropriate tooth brushing daily. With written parent permission, teachers will use the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste. ​

Health Education

 Throughout the year, we will provide informational materials and workshops on different health topics. If you have a specific health topic you would like to learn more about, please email Anya Mayr at amayr@verneremail.org

Child Health Consultants 

We work with Buncombe County Child Care Health Consultants, when needed, who provide training and consultations on a variety of health concerns.

Bug Bites and Vector Borne-Illnesses

With written parent permission, staff will apply DEET-free insect repellent (provided by Verner) to children older than 2 months. Staff will take preventative steps to ensure outdoor areas are not breeding grounds for insects.
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If you would like for a different insect repellent to be applied please see your center manager. All insect repellents must be registered with the EPA.

Despite these preventative steps, your child may be exposed to insects, including ticks.  With written parent permission, an administrator will follow CDC guidelines in removing ticks. If a tick is removed, it will be saved, documented, and given to the child’s caregiver. If you decline to give Verner permission to remove an attached tick, you will be contacted and asked promptly come to the center and remove the tick.
How To Remove a Tick

Shape NC

As a certified Shape NC demonstration site, Verner works to promote healthy eating and physical activity from a young age. We do this by not offering screen time, spending at least 120 minutes outside (weather permitting), creating intentional outdoor learning environments, promoting healthy eating through Rainbow In My Tummy®, and being breastfeeding friendly. If you would like to learn more about Shape NC and what you can do at home, please see our Health Coordinator, Anja Mayr. 

 Early Head Start Specific Services

All Early Head Start participants will be screened for hearing and vision concerns within the first 45 days of entry into the program. These screening are conducted by the Health Coordinator using the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener and the OAE Hearing Screener. Dental screenings are conducted by a local dentist within the first 90 days of entry. These screenings do not take the place of a formal evaluation, but are a tool used to detect concerns early on.  The Health Coordinator will send the screening results home in each child’s box after completion and we will work with families one on one to address any concerns.

In additions to screenings, EHS Health Staff will work with families to ensure children are staying up to date NC Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) guidelines, which is Medicaid’s Health Check program for children.
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Health Staff will work closely with a child’s family, teachers, and medical providers to ensure the child’s special health care needs are being met both at Verner and at home.  

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For any concerns regarding health services at Verner, contact our
​Health Coordinator, Anja Mayr at amayr@verneremail.org for help or more information.