Physical Activity Policy

Policies help clarify program practices.

Having policies related to physical activity will help ensure that all parties have the same understanding of program requirements and procedures. To achieve this, it is important that all employees understand and follow the same policies. Written policies are also helpful when explaining to parents how your program operates. Below you will find resources that will help you set physical activity policies in your home or center.

Best Practices

The resources on this page can help child care programs reach 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.” 

Resources to develop physical activity policies

  • 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://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/cacfp/ccpolicy/child_care_action_guide.pdf

  • Caring for Our Children Basics

Summary: Outlines a set of voluntary, foundational health and safety standards for early care and education programs. Based on best practices, these standards are designed to help protect children and support their healthy development in child care settings.
Source: National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance, Administration for Children and Families
Access: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/new-occ/resource/files/Caring-for-Our-Children-Basics.pdf

  • Go Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (Go NAPSACC) Bilingual Self-Assessments

Summary: Contacting a consultant and completing the online version of the Go NAPSACC assessments opens up a suite of planning, learning, and implementation tools to understand further what the health best practices are and how to reach them at your child care.
Source: Go Nutritional and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (Go NAPSACC)
Access: https://gonapsacc.org/our-focus-areas

  • Model Policies for Creating a Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity Environment in Child Care Settings

Summary: This toolkit describes model policies and provides tips to on how to fulfill them.
Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance
Access: https://health.mo.gov/living/dnhs_pdfs/ChildCareModelPolicies.pdf

  • Physical Activity Toolkit for Preschool-Aged Children

Summary: A guide for early care and education centers to integrate and increase children’s physical activity throughout the day. Resources include planning and scheduling tools, sample activities, skill cards, do-it-yourself equipment tips, policy templates, and no-cost education resources.
Source: California Department of Public Health
Access: https://fsnep.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk2286/files/inline-files/ECE_PA_Toolkit.pdf

  • Sample Child Care Physical Activity Policy

Summary: Example of a child care physical activity policy. It outlines the amount of expected daily play, roles of staff members, screen time, and appropriate clothing, and discipline. 
Source: South Carolina Early Child Care and Education
Access: http://www.scchildcare.org/media/6938/GH_SAMPLE_Level_B_Physical_Activity_Policy.pdf

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