HALO is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention program for prescholers Nationwide.
This unique program involves both children (3-6 years old) and their families in a non-judgmental, child-centered program that focuses on the child’s healthy choices.

Child care centers are recruited, trained and supported by Heartland Family Service to implement the 12-unit HALO curriculum in their classrooms. The HALO curriculum is versatile—childcare professionals may choose which activities work for their sites, and may interpret the discussions and implement the curriculum in a manner that is most appropriate for their children. A Spanish curriculum is also available.

The Origin
HALO was developed by Heartland Family Service in 1991 to address the gap in prevention programs for the preschool age group. The idea was born when our substance abuse program director heard a boy in our child care center boast that he, too, could drink from “the bottle with a worm in it” that his father was drinking from the night before. The substance abuse staff and the child care staff collaborated to develop a child-friendly prevention program, and the following year, HALO was christened through 35 Head Start centers.

Imagine a preschool teacher announcing “HALO Time,” and children eagerly assembling to sing songs, perform finger plays, separate “healthy” and “unhealthy” photos representing foods and behaviors, wear the “Organ Apron” and understand how the liver functions using a sponge and red water. It’s a positive, loving approach that empowers children with knowledge and confidence.

Why Preschoolers?
Although 3-6 year olds may seem too young for prevention information, studies have shown that attitudes toward the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are formed at a very young age—years before they are ever tempted to try them. Children as young as age three can understand discussions about alcohol and tobacco, because most have seen people smoking or drinking either at home or in the media.

“Preschoolers are not too young to learn positive life skills, including simple decision making, saying “no” to peers and adults, feeling good about themselves and basic facts about drugs and alcohol.” (Hahn, E. and Papizan, K., 1987, “Substance Abuse Prevention with Preschool Children,” Journal of Community Health Nursing, 4(3), pg. 169). They have found that “. . . substance abuse prevention programs for preschoolers should emphasize the development of positive self-image and include parent participation.”

Research demonstrates that education and prevention services need to be in place long before a child reaches adolescence (Miller, Smith, Gregory & Goldmann, 1990; Estes, Martin & Robertson, 1990). Furthermore, psychological research has demonstrated that internalization of moral values regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs relate positively to early experience and information. This has shown to be true for children as young as two years of age (Zahn-Waxler, 1979). Three to six years is the perfect age to begin talking to children about how to keep their bodies healthy, such as eating healthy foods, exercising, getting enough sleep and always wearing a seatbelt. This is also the time to begin discussions regarding what things can harm their bodies, like tobacco and alcohol.

Start a HALO Program in Your Community
Take the first step in changing the lives of children in your community today. If you are interested in becoming a certified HALO agency contact HALO Coordinator.