TeethFirst! - RI's own initiative promoting early dental visits - continues to encourage participation in Smilestones: an online campaign to celebrate the moments in bright smiles and raise awareness about children's oral health. Smilestones also features a photo contest, which is a picture perfect opportunity for families to show off their little ones' smiles and healthy dental habits - all for the chance to win a $50 gift card! 

The idea is simple: families will upload and share dental health-related pictures of their little ones. Children of all ages are welcome! Beginning with healthy habits at home, to a child's changing smile and healthy dental care, the goal is to create a fun forum for the moments - or Smilestones - that create healthy smiles for life. The winners of the gift cards will be announced and notified monthly. The Smilestones photo contest runs through the summer. Click the 'Smilestone Gallery' tab on this page to see recent submissions!

Be sure to also check out our new Tooth Talk Blogs on first teeth, gummy smiles, teething toddlers, losing teeth, and brushing together. 

Please email us with any questions, and connect with us on social media via  Facebook / Instagram / Twitter.

The Rhode Island Health Coverage Project, a joint initiative of the Economic Progress Institute and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, continues to monitor recent Medicaid termination and renewal notices. 

• Please see this memo to learn more about recently affected RIteCare/Medicaid members, and how you can help RIte Care/Medicaid members retain their health insurance coverage. 
• Please post and distribute this flyer so that RIte Care/Medicaid members are encouraged to take action. 

In celebration of the release of our latest Policy Brief on Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs in Rhode Island, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has created a new webpage on childhood obesity and regular physical activity. 

This new section of our website hosts all of our obesity- and physical activity-related publications and presentations, and also provides links to local and national partners. 

Throughout the 2017 Legislative session, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT will be tracking bills and budget items that relate to children and youth. Please explore our site for information on current legislation and upcoming hearings, and to read our public testimony on behalf of Rhode Island's children, youth, and families.

Are you interested in specific areas of child well-being? Rhode Island KIDS COUNT publishes E-Newsletters on specific areas related to child well-being: 

• Children's Health and Health Insurance 
• Child Welfare/Juvenile Justice 
• Early Childhood/Early Learning 
• Student-Centered Learning 
• RI Campaign for Grade-Level Reading 
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT also publishes a general interest E-Newsletter.

Please click here to start receiving these updates!