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All Oregon Head Start Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Programs are required by Oregon Department of Education (ODE) policy to be 100% tobacco-free. Tobacco use is prohibited by everyone at all times on all Head Start premises, in Head Start vehicles, and at Head Start-sponsored events. Staff and volunteers may not use tobacco within sight of participants near Head Start premises or events, and may not bring the smell of smoke on their clothes into the Head Start center.
In partnership with the Oregon Head Start Association, ODE, and local county health departments, the American Lung Association in Oregon worked with Oregon Head Start programs in adopting comprehensive policies as well as other strategies to reduce tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure.
Although ALAO's work wtih the Oregon Head Start programs has come to a close, tobacco-free policy information and materials are still available via this website.
Why tobacco-free Head Start policy?
A comprehensive tobacco-free policy, applied fairly and consistently, reduces tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. Learn more about why it matters to have a comprehensive tobacco-free Head Start policy.
How can my Head Start Program receive an A+?
Each tobacco-free policy receives a grade, which is calculated based on how comprehensive the policy is. The profile checklist contains all of the elements of a gold standard tobacco-free Head Start Program (see page two of the checklist for the policy grading criteria).
View a model tobacco-free environment policy (endorsed by the Oregon Head Start Association and the American Lung Association in Oregon), which meets and exceeds the ODE policy requirements.
Head Start "Tobacco-Free Environment" model policy & checklist/PDF
Head Start "Tobacco-Free Environment" model policy & checklist/Word
View a map of the Oregon Head Start Prekindergarten Programs.
Do you have questions about a policy that was already submitted?
The American Lung Association in Oregon maintained a database of the progress and status of each Head Start Program that has submitted a policy. If you have questions about a program's tobacco-free policy, please contact healthinfo@lungoregon.org or 503-924-4094.
Are you looking for tobacco cessation resources?
Visit Freedom from Smoking to learn more about the leading adult smoking cessation program for over 25 years.
Speak to an expert quit coach at 1-800-Quit-Now or visit them at the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line website.
Visit http://www.becomeanex.org/
Other Useful Resources:
Oregon Department of Education Policy Letter "Tobacco-Free Environments"
Oregon Head Start Prekindergarten Program Directory 2009-2010
Fresh Air for Little Noses
Care for Their Air: Promoting Smoke-free Homes for Head Start Families
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