January 2023 | Issue No. 23 Toothbrushing in Head Start ProgramsWelcome to Resources to Make You Smile! This monthly newsletter features information and tools Head Start staff can use to help families promote good oral health. These tips help Head Start staff support families, pregnant people, and children. The newsletter also includes a recipe for a healthy snack that children can make in a Head Start classroom or at home with their families. Toothbrushing in ProgramsAccording to the U.S. Surgeon General, oral health is integral to the general health and well-being of all Americans, and all Americans can have good oral health. Head Start staff promote good oral health by teaching and facilitating healthy habits for children. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a widespread decline in children’s oral health status. A simple strategy to address this problem is brushing with fluoride toothpaste, an effective measure to prevent tooth decay. It is safe for Head Start programs to return to toothbrushing. Staff can help children brush and develop positive oral health habits that will last a lifetime. Scheduling time for children to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste during the program day ensures each child brushes at least once daily. Resources for StaffBrushing Teeth at the Classroom Table Steps for Toothbrushing at the Table: Growing Healthy Smiles in Early Care and Education Classes Toothbrushing in Head Start Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for K–12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning COVID-19: Risk Reduction Strategies Cook’s Corner Recipe: Cream Cheese and Black Olive Penguin SnackIngredients Directions
Makes 4 servings Stay Connected!Join MyPeers to connect with Head Start and early childhood colleagues around the country on this and other topics. Members of the Health, Safety, and Wellness community are currently networking, sharing, and learning from each other. Find it under "All Communities" and select the blue "Join" button. Please share this issue with others who may be interested. Find past issues of Resources to Make You Smile! on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC). Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe to stay up to date! We Want to Hear from You!Send your questions or comments to the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety at health@ecetta.info or (toll-free) 888-227-5125. Office of Head Start (OHS) | 330 C Street, SW | 4th Floor Mary E. Switzer Building | Washington, DC 20201 | https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov | 1-866-763-6481 | Contact Us You are receiving this email because you are signed up for Office of Head Start communications. You may modify your ECLKC email subscriptions. Recipients subscribed through the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) must be removed from HSES by their program or office. Please do not reply to this email. Contact customer service for additional support. Head Start® and Early Head Start® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). |