Early childhood programs are essential for creating healthy environments and promoting safe physical play for children 0-5 years old. Focusing policy and program development on early childhood is critical to childhood obesity prevention.
Strategies
Strategy 1
Adopt and implement effective wellness policies that promote healthy nutrition and physical activity.
Strategy 2
Ensure that drinking water is accessible to children both indoors and outdoors.
Strategy 3
Encourage and support breastfeeding for mothers and employees.
Strategy 4
Recognize signs of food insecurity/hunger and refer families to appropriate food assistance programs.
Strategy 5
Include both indoor and outdoor active play every day and provide physical activity opportunities that address children of all abilities.
Strategy 6
Establish farm to preschool programs and gardens in childcare centers.
Resources
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Icon Legend for Strategies
Reduce access to and consumption of sugar sweetened beverages
Increase participation in safe physical activity
Promote breastfeeding
Focus on early childhood
Partner with land use & regional planning efforts
Collaborate with food and nutrition programs
Focus on Policy & Advocacy