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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Amy Requa, MSN, CRNP, CPNP, Region III Head Start Technical Assistance System, Caliber, An ICF Consulting Company, 150 S. Independence Mall West, Suite 844, Philadelphia, PA 19106, 215-592-1684 Ext. 225, arequa@acf.hhs.gov, Rachel Tellez, MD, MS, FAAP, Head Start Bureau, 1250 Maryland Ave SW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20447, Linda Carson, EdD, West Virginia University Motor Development Center, West Virginia University, 280 Coliseum, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, and Nancy Elmore, BA, Region III Head Start Branch, Administration for Children and Families, 150 S. Independence Mall West, Suite 864, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Childhood obesity has risen dramatically in the United States in the past decade, particularly among young children from low-income and minority groups. Lack of physical activity and poor nutrition are significant contributors to childhood obesity. In August 2004, the Region III Office of the Administration for Children and Families launched the I Am Moving, I Am Learning project to intentionally address childhood obesity in two states with significant need – Virginia and West Virginia. Statistics showed that in 2003 approximately 28% of Virginia's and 26% of West Virginia's fourth and fifth grade children were overweight – nearly twice the national average. The pilot project demonstrated to grantees how purposeful movement and physical activity influences children to adopt physically active lifestyles to reduce the risk of heart disease and obesity. In addition, the pilot promoted multi-generational practice and advocated increased physically active lifestyles for all involved: children, parents, staff and community. Seventeen Head Start grantees participated in the pilot project that included training on the curriculum and resources using a “train-the-trainer” model, collaborative development of project goals, parameters and observation tools, and extensive follow-up and program evaluation. This presentation will describe the pilot project and the methodology employed for increasing the amount of physical activity occurring within Head Start programs. In addition, the presenter will discuss lessons learned from the pilot implementation year identified through both quantitative and qualitative data collected from participants. This presentation will also discuss the project's expansion and best practices for promoting physical activity in early childcare settings.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1. Articulate the critical importance of helping young children develop good nutrition and physical activity practices to their long-term health and well-being. 2. Describe the key components of a model physical fitness program for children ages 3-
• 3. List at least five benefits and five challenges to implementing a model physical fitness program for at-risk, preschool-age children. 4. Identify resources available for developing similar programs in early childcare settings.

Keywords: Obesity, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation