Toolkit for Integrating Healthy Physical and Mental
Development in Early Learning Guidelines
Health and Safety Topic #8: Oral Health
Caring for Our Children (CFOC) Standards and Healthy Kids, Healthy Care Links [Tips for Parents]
Selected States' Early Learning Guidelines
State Assessment

CFOC Standard(s):

Routine Oral Hygiene Activities-3.010

Caregivers shall promote the habit of regular tooth brushing. All children with teeth shall brush or have their teeth brushed at least once during the hours the child is in child care. Using a size-appropriate brush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, the caregiver shall either brush the child's teeth or supervise as the child brushes his/her own teeth. The younger the child the more the caregiver needs to be involved. After feeding, an infant's teeth and gums shall be wiped with a moist cloth to remove any remaining liquid that coats the teeth and gums and which turns to plaque causing tooth decay. Very few preschool-age children have the hand-eye coordination or the fine motor skills necessary to complete the complex process of tooth brushing. The caregiver shall be able to evaluate each child's motor activity and to teach the child the correct method of tooth brushing when the child is capable of doing this activity. The caregiver shall monitor the tooth brushing activity and thoroughly brush the child's teeth after the child has finished brushing.
The cavity-causing effect of frequent exposure to food shall be reduced by offering the children rinsing water after snacks when brushing is not possible.

Oral Health Education-3.011

All children with teeth shall have oral hygiene as a part of their daily activity. Those two years and older shall have developmentally appropriate oral health education that includes information on what plaque is, the process of dental caries development, and the importance of good oral hygiene behaviors. School-age children shall receive additional information including the preventive use of fluoride, dental sealants, mouth guards, and the importance of healthy eating behaviors and regularly scheduled dental visits. Older children shall be informed about the effect of tobacco products on their oral health and additional reasons for avoidance.

HKHC Link(s):

Dental Care

Sources of Health and Dental Care


Physical Health 8 to 18 Months
A. PHYSICAL HEALTH
5. Shows characteristics of oral health.
H.S./CFR 1304.23(b)(3)
Young toddlers continue to gain new teeth. Their emerging fascination with routines extends to include tooth brushing, although they still need help from adults in order to be sure all of the teeth are reached.
Young toddlers exhibit oral health by:
  • exhibiting continued normal eruption of teeth;
  • cooperating with daily cleaning of teeth;
  • transitioning from using a pacifier;
  • having a comprehensive dental exam.


Program-Focused Example
Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards for Pre-Kindergarten (p.73)

Standard: Quality ECE programs must connect parents to necessary and appropriate community services that may help the child and/or the family. Programs must have written procedures that are consistently implemented to assure that the objectives are met.
Indicators

PP 2.2 Programs must provide parents with information on medical, dental, nutrition, and mental health education programs in the community.

Examples
Parents will:
  • Discuss with staff their own observations, staff observations and information gathered through screening procedures to identify any need to refer their child for further services
  • Seek information on community services and resources as appropriate to their own educational, cultural or family needs
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the services received

Supportive Practices
Program staff will:
  • Maintain an up-to-date resource directory of community services and resources available to young children and their families.
  • Utilize culturally sensitive techniques of referring families to appropriate resources in the community
  • Follow up with families to determine if referral sources met the family/child's needs, and to discuss next steps

For references to the state early learning guidelines used see State Early Learning Guidelines Used in Examples



Oral Health Content:

Content absent

Content to be strengthened

Content approaches CFOC
Action Plan
     


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