MU Extension Specialists seek to improve physical activity at child care centers

While it seems young children are always moving,  most of them are not getting the moderate to vigorous physical activity needed to keep their bodies and minds healthy.

Missouri MOve Smart Child Care is a program that recognizes childcare facilities following a specific set of physical activity standards. University of Missouri Extension offers a coaching program that can help child care facilities become a MOve Smart Child Care by using the principles of “I Am Moving, I Am Learning” (IMIL) training.

“IMIL is an award-winning and proactive approach to increasing the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. The goal is to improve the quality of movement activities purposefully planned and led by adults,” said Renette Wardlow, human development specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

The project is a grant funded jointly by University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. An MU Extension specialist observes and coaches the center staff and director over a three-month period.

The MU Extension specialist also helps the center develop a physical activity plan and helps them to apply for a “Choosy” activity kit or $500 to purchase physical activity equipment of their choice for their center.

For more information, contact any of MU Extension’s human development specialists in southwest Missouri: Renette Wardlow in Greene County at (417) 881-8909 or Angie Fletcher in Texas County at (417) 967-4545.