THE UNITED STATES IS EXPERIENCING A DRAMATIC INCREASE in the number of children who are overweight and a significant decline in children’s over all physical activity (Goran 2001). Some early childhood teachers may question these findings, pointing out that the children they teach are energetic and active. Of course, young children are active, but sometimes early childhood classrooms provide little outlet for their energy. There are many important things to consider in giving children an active start. As educators we must realize that physical activity patterns developed in childhood tend to last throughout adulthood (Janz, Dawson, & Mahoney 2000). The early years are critical not only to the development of motor skills but also for the development of a disposition for regular physical activity throughout life (Goodway & Branta 2003; Payne & Isaacs 2005). For this critical time frame, from birth to five years, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) has developed physical activity guidelines. Its Active Start position statement recommends that preschoolers “should engage in daily physical activity that promotes health related fitness and movement skills” (NASPE 2002, 2).