New Oral Health Curriculum for Head Start:
"Bright Smiles, Bright Futures"
As a result of a partnership between the Head Start Bureau, the Public Health Service, and the Colgate-Palmolive Company, an oral health curriculum module called "Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" has been developed for Head Start program. This multimedia module is designed to help your children and their parents learn and practice effective oral health.
Field tested in Head Start programs, the module incorporates the use of children's books and music with innovative educational materials that are:Selected programs in over 28 States have already received their kits as part of the Head Start Satellite Distance Learning Demonstration Project. In addition, a kit for each classroom has been sent to all Head Start grantees in California, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. More kits are being produced now, and by the Spring of 1994 every Head Start classroom in the United States will have received their "Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" module.
- Multicultural. The materials teach prevention and early learning to influence the knowledge, attitudes, values, skills, and oral health practices of low-income minority children.
- Developmentally Appropriate for Preschool. The multi-disciplinary approach of the program will allow integration of dental health through multiple curricular areas, including health, nutrition, science, music, art, and family relationships.
- Created with Parent Involvement Activities. In addition to educational videos which have been filmed in four different Head Start centers, there are activities parents can share with their children, and parent involvement activities in both English and Spanish.
- Flexible for Teachers. Support materials are interactive, visual, and musical to promote learning and encouraging use by Head Start staff.
"Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" Program Elements:
FOR THE CHILDREN: A Big Book:"Your Smile Counts": Through an engaging rhyme the children learn the importance of taking care of their teeth and that going to the dentist can be a positive experience and enhance self-esteem. (A special adaptation of the picture book, A Big Book, has been made for Alaskan grantees to show an environment and surroundings which are familiar to Alaskan children.)
An audio Cassette: Interactive Songs for Learning ("Brush Rap," "Yes or Si", "My Teeth and I") and English and Spanish narration of the Big Book.
Wall Posters: "I Brush..." takes the children through a day at home and at Head Start, and "I Eat Healthy Foods" encourages the children to eat well.
Story Cards: "Trip to the Dentist" sequencing.
To Take Home: A child-sized toothbrush and toothpaste, a message to parents in both English and Spanish, and a light switch sticker that glows in the dark.
For the Parents: An Educational Video filmed in four different Head Start Centers, Easy Activities to share with the children, and Parent Involvement Activities in both English and Spanish.
For the Teacher: A Teacher's Guide filled with activities, curriculum ideas, and important on oral health.