► Policy statements can help child care providers and families understand why daily physical activity is so important for children’s health, development, and weight.
► Policies describing outdoor physical activity can encourage outdoor play in most weather conditions. This can help families understand the need to make sure their children are dressed appropriately for the weather each day.
► When new staff start working at the child care program, written policies will help them learn about responsibilities and expectations at the program.
Nutrition and Wellness Tips for Young Children: Provider Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program Promote Active Play Through Written Policies and Practices
A written policy is a statement you write about the importance you give to something in your child care program. You can use such a statement in your program handbook, descriptions, or advertisements, and in the materials you give to parents to tell how important active play (physical activity) and movement are, and how these will be a big part of the day the children spend with you.
Why are written policies that promote physical activity important?
► Benefits: The benefits of physical activity and outdoor play should be listed. (See the Let’s Move! Child Care Web site for more information http://healthykidshealthyfuture.org/content/hkhf/home/ activities.html.)
► Duration: Children should spend 60 to 120 minutes each day outdoors depending on their age and weather conditions. Policies should promote movement over the course of the day through two or more structured activities or games that are led by a caregiver. Policies should also describe what will be done to ensure active play on days with more extreme weather (examples: very hot, very cold, or thunderstorms).
► Water availability: Make sure drinking water is freely available, both indoors and outdoors, throughout the day. (See the Make Water Available tip sheet on page 51 for more information.)
► Setting: Covered areas for shade and shelter should be available outdoors.
► Clothing and Footwear: Clothing should permit easy movement that enables children to participate fully in active play. Footwear should provide support for running and climbing.