Child Care Centers
Child Care Centers Get Active by Improving Nutrition and Physical Activity
It is never too early to teach children about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating. According to a report by the American Dietetic Association on Dietary Guidance for Healthy Children Ages 2 to 11, children in this age group should achieve a healthy weight, enjoy food, and reduce the risk of chronic disease by developing healthy eating habits and participating in regular physical activity.
That’s exactly what many child care facilities in Wood County are working to achieve as Get Active partner centers. Children at these centers are learning more about nutrition and spending their days being more physically active. To make these improvements, child care center staff are receiving a variety of nutrition and physical activity curriculum, resources, and training.
Child Care Gardens
For Parents
The Get Active partner centers are in the process of updating their physical activity and nutrition policies. It is important for parents to be aware of these guidelines and help the centers adhere to their policies. Please be aware of the physical activity and nutrition policies in your child's center and never be afraid to ask about them.
Centers With Updated Physical Activity and Nutrition Policies
Child Care Center Resources
- Got Dirt? - a guide to planting
- The Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life Toolkit helps to teach children about eating right and being physically active
Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life Toolkit
- Include nutrition and physical activity lessons into circle time with Color Me Healthy
- Join the nation wide, Let's Move! Campaign
- Team Nutrition, a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers lessons on nutriton focusing on role modeling
- Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ is used to encourage and teach children, parents, and caregivers to eat healthy and be physically active every day
Team Nutrition - Eat Smart. Play Hard.
- The Whole Grains Council provides information on the benefits of eating whole grains and ways to enjoy more
Whether you are a child care provider who wants to improve nutrition and physical activity in your center, or a parent or community member who would like to volunteer and support these programs, contact The Wood County Health Department at 715.421.8911 for more information.