Curious Minds Newsletter

February 2025

PACCC Summer Camp 2025

It may not feel like it’s time to plan for Summer Camp in the middle of chilly February, but it’s actually the perfect time because early registration pricing ends on March 9! PACCC’s Summer Camps sell out, so be sure to explore the different camps and register! Back by popular demand are FAME Camp, Operation Chef, Camp EPIC, Little Campers and After Summer School Camp.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Pediatric dentists recommend that regular dental care should begin by 1 year of age, or six months after their first tooth comes in, with a dental checkup at least twice each year, for most children. This month we explore children’s dental health with Stanford Medicine - Children’s Health, Ravenswood Dental Clinic and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).

AAPD recommends the following for children 0-to 3 years old:

Birth to 6 months old

Clean your baby’s mouth with gauze or use a soft infant toothbrush after feedings and at bedtime.

Ask your child's healthcare provider or pediatric dentist about fluoride supplements, if you live in an area without fluoridated water.

Also ask about fluoride varnish, which is applied to the teeth.

Regulate feeding habits (bottle-feeding and breastfeeding).

6 to 12 months old

During this time, the first tooth should appear. See a pediatric dentist for an exam.

Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime. Use a small, soft-bristled brush and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

As your child begins to walk, stay alert for possible dental or facial injuries.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastmilk for at least 6 months. The AAPD recommends breastfeeding for at least 1 year. At about 1 year, continue to breastfeed or begin weaning as you and your baby are ready. But also start giving your baby whole milk. The fat in whole milk is needed for correct brain development.

1 to 3 years old

Follow the schedule of dental exams and cleanings, as recommended by your child's pediatric dentist. Generally, dental exams and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children and adults.

At about age 3, as your child learns to rinse and spit, brushing with a pea-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste is appropriate, in most cases.

For more information on what to expect at your child’s first dental exam, check out this fact sheet from Stanford Medical!

Dental health costs are the most common reason for families not getting regular checkups, which could lead to more serious conditions. PACCC is proud to partner with Ravenswood Family Health Center, who provides dental care to the uninsured and most vulnerable low-income residents in our community.

PACCC would like to thank Ravenswood Dental Clinic for distributing dental health education and supplies to our preschoolers, transitional kindergartens, and kindergarteners.

PACCC & StarVista: A Mental Wellness Partnership

Last month, we shared our recent partnership with StarVista’s Early Childhood Services, which “provides a range of comprehensive supportive services to children aged 0-5 and the parents, caregivers and childcare providers who care for them.” Case consultants serve preschools, child development centers, family daycare providers, Head Start and Early Head Start for children from birth to five years. Case consultations are available to parents or teachers who are concerned about their child.

Family Resources: Single Parents Support Group!

It’s no secret that single parenting can be a challenge! Check out the PACCC Family Resources Page and consider attending the Center for Children and Youth Single Parents Support Group. Here, you’ll discover a “welcoming space to meet other parents, discuss your latest parenting challenges, and share support and advice…including co-parenting, discipline, and emotional intelligence.”

PACCC in the Community

As a community leader in Palo Alto, and in keeping with our Strategic Plan and commitment to build and foster community, PACCC partners with families and regional agencies to provide and advocate for exceptional and accessible childhood care and education. You will find PACCC engaged in the following advocacy and early education efforts and events this month: