Enhancing Physical Activity in Early Care and Education Settings

through PSE

Michele Buran, MACSU, Chico

Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotionmburan@csuchico.edu

530-898-4318

What does Physical Activity look like in ECE settings?

• Structured PA (teacher-led) • Unstructured PA (free play)• Playing Outdoors• Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA)• Teacher Encouragement• Play Space Environments

Physical Activity Policy based on Best Practices

Physically Active Play Time• We provide >120 min. of gross motor play time for

full day sites and 60 minutes for half day sites to all children each day.

• We provide opportunities for outdoor play 2 or more times per day.

• We ensure that children are rarely seated for periods of more than 30 minutes without incorporated movement activities.

• We do not withhold active play time for children as a consequence for behavior.

• We rarely show television and videos and only use them as an educational tool.

Play Environments• We provide fixed play equipment that is extensive

and varied for all children. • We provide portable play equipment that is diverse

and available for children to use at the same time. • We make outdoor portable play equipment freely

available to all children all of the time. • Outdoor play space includes an open, grassy area

and a track/path for wheeled toys. • Indoor space will include room for large gross motor

movements, when weather does not permit outdoor play.

Supporting Physical Activity• Our staff encourage children to be active and regularly

join children in active play. • We encourage parents to dress children appropriately

for active play and sun protection• We communicate positive messages to families about

participating in PA and fundamental movement skills at home.

• We communicate positive messages to families about limiting screen time to < 2 hours per day.

• We provide visible support for PA in classrooms and common areas through use of posters, pictures, and displayed books.

Physical Activity Education

• We provide training opportunities for staff on physical activity (other than playground safety) 2X per year or more.

• We provide teacher-directed physical activity education for children through a standardized curriculum 2X per week or more.

• We offer physical activity education to parents 2X per year or more.

Systems Change

• Planning & scheduling time for structured and unstructured PA

• Adopting curriculum• Training teachers • Rotating PA equipment• Limiting screen time• PA messaging to parents

Environmental Change

Create environments that encourage movementBoth indoors and outdoors.– Open Space– Climbing equipment– Wheeled toys– Manipulatives– Playground stencils– Posters