Physical Activity Policy

Having policies related to nutrition will ensure that all parties have same understanding of the procedures. It is important that all employees understand and follow the same policies. Having written policies are also helpful when explaining to parents how your center operates. Below you will find resources that will help you set nutrition policies in your home or center.

 

Best Practices

The resources in this category are the same for all of the following best practices.

  • “Always communicate the physical activity policy to parents, families and visitors.”
  • “Create and maintain a written policy on physical activity that is available and followed. Include items from the physical activity key areas.”
     
 
Action Guide: For Child Care Nutrition and Physical Activity Policies

Summary: A guide for creating policies including rationale, steps for creating policies, and policy recommendations. 
Source:  Connecticut State Department of Education
Access:  https://healthymeals.fns.usda.gov/hsmrs/Connecticut/CCAG_ActionGuide.pdf

 
Model Child Care Health Policies

Summary: Section 4 focuses on nutrition and section 5 focuses on screen time and physical activity.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Access: www.ecels-healthychildcarepa.org/publications/manuals-pamphlets-policies/item/download/332_de718b5d0a40682caf26b57e9307bc91

 
Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) Manual

Summary:  This manual provides the best practice recommendations for each question on the self-assessment. The manuals also include the rationale behind each recommendation, challenges to implementing recommendations, and tips for changing current practice.
Source:  Michigan Healthy Child Care
Access:  http://mihealthtools.org/childcare/resources.asp


Sample Child Care Physical Activity Policy

Summary : This is an example of a physical activity policy for a child care. It outlines the daily play, role of staff members and times of play. 
Source:  South Carolina Early Child Care and Education
Access:   http://www.scchildcare.org/media/6938/GH_SAMPLE_Level_B_Physical_Activity_Policy.pd

 

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