PICTURE: Charlee Danby (L) and Sarah Howard from Western Plains Preschool.
Twenty-one Early Childhood Services and Family Day Care Educators in Corangamite have received a Smiles 4 Miles award.
The award recognises their work to improve the oral health of some of our youngest community members.
Smiles 4 Miles is an oral health promotion program for kindergarten-aged children, developed by Dental Health Services Victoria.
It is implemented throughout Corangamite in partnership with Council.
Services achieve the Smiles 4 Miles award by implementing healthy eating and oral health policies, and engaging with families about the importance of oral health.
They educate children through a variety of fun learning experiences based on the Smiles 4 Miles key messages – Drink well, Eat well and Clean well.
Eliza Ogden, Smiles 4 Miles Coordinator, said the program was a great way to help children have healthy teeth and gums for life.
"Good habits are formed early," Ms Ogden said.
"Children take lessons they learn at a young age with them, right up to adulthood.
"By promoting good oral health behaviours early in life, we can decrease the likelihood of poor oral health later in life.
"This is a huge achievement for Corangamite Shire Family Day Care reaching award status of all of their educators for the first time.
"All Council services are now awarded with the program and have received advanced standing with the Achievement Program."
