Early Childhood

• First Birthday Card (pdf)
  This campaign is designed to increase the awareness of new parents on the importance of beginning oral health care for their infant no later than their child's first birthday. The dual language card could be distributed to parents through medical and dental providers, Early Head Start programs, community outreach programs and WIC to encourage them to brush their child's teeth and take them to the dentist by age one.
  • Order Form for First Birthday Card and Oral Health Posters (pdf)
     
• Teacher Activities for the Early Childhood Classroom (ML-025192) (pdf)
  This resource guide has activities for infants through age 4. The "lessons" are designed to involve the very young child in hands-on activities that will acquaint them with their mouth and how to care for their teeth; help them learn to like healthy foods; and encourage them keep their smiles safe. This guide is designed for use in childcare centers serving infants-preschoolers and would be a good resource for homeschool associations and parent and community outreach programs.
   
• Oral Health for Preschoolers: Parent Information Booklet (ML-025191) (pdf)
  This Parent Information Booklet contains information for parents that is developmentally appropriate and based on recommendations from the Bright Futures in Practice: Oral Health By P. Cassamassimo. The sheets are easy to understand and can help parents take an active role in establishing and maintaining good oral health for their child. General topics include taking care of teeth, selecting the right toothbrush and toothpaste, good nutrition, safety, and going to the dentist.
   
• Oral Health Puppet Show for Schools and Head Start Centers
  Flora and Floppy go to the Dentist is a 20 minute interactive puppet show for children ages 3-8. The Columbia Marionette Puppet show is designed to engage and entertain preschool and school-age children while teaching them key messages about how to maintain good dental health.
   
• SC Takes Action: Oral Health for the Young Child (pdf)
  This document is based on established guidelines produced by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics and other key professional organizations such as the American Dental Association, Bright Futures, and the Society of Family Medicine. The document, primarily focused on ages 0-3, provides the foundation for a collaborative, community approach to improve the oral health status of
   
• Overview of Supplemental Oral Health Curricula for Preschool, Kindergarten, 2nd and 7th Grade (pdf)
  These guides contain lessons that encourage students to take care of their teeth as well as teach them oral health concepts. Each of the student activities in the Oral Health Supplemental Resource Guides includes a list of needed materials, background information, step-by-step instructions and suggested extension and evaluation activities. These guides are primarily designed for classroom use.
   
• Oral Health Curriculum: Kindergarten (pdf)
  This resource guide has activities for kids aged 5 and 6. The lessons are designed to involve the young child in hands-on activities that will acquaint them with their mouth and how to care for their teeth; help them learn to like healthy foods; and encourage them keep their smiles safe. This guide is designed for use in both K-4 and K-5 classrooms.
   
• Oral Health Curriculum: 2nd Grade (pdf)
  This resource guide has activities for kids aged 7 and 8.
   
• Oral Health Curriculum: Preschool (pdf)
  This resource guide is intended for parents and young children to work on together.
   
• Afterschoolers Oral Health Resource Guide (pdf)
  This resource guide has activities designed for students in grades 1-5 participating in Afterschool programs. The "lessons" involve the elementary age child in hands-on activities that will acquaint them with taking care of their teeth and understanding why that is important; teaching them to like and to choose healthy foods; and encouraging them keep their smiles safe and injury free. This guide is designed for use in childcare centers and schools with afterschool programs. It would also be a good resource for homeschool associations and parent and community outreach programs.
   
• Brush up on Healthy Teeth -- Simple Steps for Kids' Smiles (pdf)