How can I implement policies and practices that promote physical activity?
Think about how you communicate with staff and families to make sure everyone understands and implements the policies and expectations. If possible, include written policy statements on physical activity in child care program or staff policy handbooks. Share these policies with families through a newsletter or take-home flyer. Here are some these ideas to ensure that these policies are understood and implemented.
How can you make everyone aware of the policies? Mark your choices.
Post the written policies in a location where everyone can read and be aware of them.
When new families are registering their children in your child care program, talk about the existing physical activity policies so they know what to expect. Encourage families to support active play at home.
Other ideas:.............
How can you encourage participation in training or education sessions? Mark your choices.
Provide mini-education programs to parents so they understand the reasons for the policies for physical activity and outdoor play. Use examples of existing physical activity best practices, such as those items listed in the ‘Healthy Checklist’ on the Let’s Move! Child Care Web site. http://healthykidshealthyfuture.org/welcome.html
Have staff participate in training sessions on physical activity at least twice a year. Staff training should be provided by a qualified child care trainer with expertise in physical activity for young children.
Other ideas: ............
How can you implement these policies every day? Mark your choices.
Encourage all children to try new activities and celebrate with children when they participate at any skill level. Focus on self-challenge, and find a new goal for each child according to his or her skill level. For example, say, “You did three hops on one foot. Now can you do four?”
Schedule active play before mealtimes. This way, kids will feel hungry for their meal and will behave better, making for a more pleasant mealtime experience for everyone.
Other ideas:.....................