Included here are some of the more commonly asked questions we recieve.  If you think we should include others, please feel free to contact us.

Q: What is Smart Start and how do I register my child?  

A: Smart Start was designed to provide a preschool experience to children who have had little or no preparation for kindergarten. In a classroom with a combination of preschool and kindergarten teachers, children in Smart Start participate in early literacy and numerical activities. They also become familiar with the classroom setting, classroom rules, the role of the teachers, socialization and separation from their parents. Classes are held five days a week for four hours over four-weeks. In addition, parents can attend up to three classes that familiarize them with what their children are learning, as well as provide additional education on a variety of topics designed to help them prepare their child for a positive school experience.

Smart Start is held in June and July at nine different locations in Sutter County. To find out if your child qualifies, contact the School Readiness office at 503.822. 32016

Q: At what age should I take my child to the dentist?

A: Most of your toddler’s primary teeth will come in between his first and second birthday. His permanent teeth are under construction in his jaws. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children have their first check up at the age of 1.

Early dental visits will help make the experience more successful. Topical fluoride treatments may be applied to the teeth to protect them from cavities.

Now is the time to wean the baby from the bottle. Put your baby to bed with a teddy bear NEVER a bottle of milk, juice or soda. Do not dip pacifiers in sweeteners.

Brush baby’s teeth at least once daily using a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste.

Additional information or an appointment can be made by calling Sutter County Smiles at 530.682.8428

Q: What is Bright Futures and how do I make an appointment?

A: Bright Futures program provides FREE health and developmental screenings, once a month, for children 0-5 at Franklin Hall located at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds.

The screenings include: hearing, literacy, nutrition, language, motor skills, cognitive, behavior, health, dental and vision. Children who are identified at-risk at any of the screening stations are given a referral for services to address those issues. Bright Futures staff follows up with parents and offers support and encouragement should the parent encounter any problems with the referral process.

At each station, printed resource materials are available for families to take home. Each child receives a new book to take home.

To schedule an appointment, contact Sutter County Children’s and Families office at 530.822.7505