Sunday, January 31, 2010

SURGEON GENERAL & FIRST LADY UNVEIL PLAN FOR HEALTHY CHILD CARE SETTINGS

from California’s Children blog | http://bit.ly/acJiXz

Regina benjamin 1/29/2010 -- A part of Dr. Regina Benjamin's (at left) report, released yesterday, "The Surgeon General's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation," is a guide for parents and providers of child care.

Providers, the report (which is supported by First Lady Michelle Obama as a keystone in her recently announced focus on childhood obesity), should:

  • Identify and use resources that recommend effective approaches to promoting physical activity, good nutrition, and healthy sleep in early childhood settings.
  • Establish and post policies, procedures, and practices that support these approaches in ways that respect local communities and cultures.
  • Stay current in these approaches through required regular training.
  • Educate and involve parents in training and other activities.

The Surgeon General also calls for "standardized national goals for early child care -- especially ones related to healthy weight -- [that] would improve the quality of early childhood settings and give childcare providers and parents a foundation to improve their knowledge and skills to support these goals."

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