Partner Spotlight: Case Western Dental Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine is taking the lead to fight against early childhood cavities, the number one chronic infectious disease in children in America.
By partnering with Head Start, the goal is to take preventive measures to reduce the number of children sent to the operating room for dental treatment. Onsite, comprehensive dental exams are scheduled twice a year. This service is targeted to every Head Start child who has not seen the dentist in the last six months. Parents are encouraged to come and watch exams. Any other child under the age of eight can also receive services.
“Sesame Street” spinbrush, toothpaste, mirror, sticker of choice and a grade sheet informing parents about their child’s teeth, and whether or not follow-up care is needed. XX Educational presentations are scheduled annually for staff and parents about the importance of children’s oral health. XX Active involvement with the Health Service Advisory Committee.
XX Children are in a safe and familiar environment.
XX Service is billed to the child’s insurance, which covers dental screening costs twice a year. In the event of no insurance, the Head Start program will cover any costs.
XX Children take home their own battery-operated
XX End of the year review of completed services.
Partnership Services XX Non-invasive lap-to-lap exams.
Book of the Month: Curious George Visits the Dentist February is Dental Health Month and Head Start is wild about good dental health! Students brush their teeth every day at school and we always have dental health activities and books in the classroom. Reading books about the dentist prior
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to going will help ease children’s fears because they will know exactly what to expect. We recommend Curious George Visits the Dentist by Margaret and H.A. Rey. Remember: healthy practices established in childhood are more likely to become healthy habits later!
Make Time to Be Healthy
As a new tool this year, all LCCAA Head Start families were provided with a free email address. This is used by your teacher, family service worker and other staff to share important information. It should be checked regularly. Contact your Family Service Worker if you need help!
I Want To Be Like You! Your child will do what you do. If you eat healthier food, your child will too. Together Is Better! Have your child help set the table, make the
meal, and clean up. This is great “together” time after a busy day! Happy Talk = Happy Tummies! Talk about nice things at meals because it helps food digest better! Show your child how to chew food slowly to help with digestion. Turn Off To Tune In! At meal time, turn off phones, TVs, and computers so families can pay attention to each other. Bring everyone to the table to eat together for a family meal.
