Bluffton Community Preschool Improves Activity and Nutrition Policies
Childhood obesity is a major issue in Allen County, Ohio and the United States. Here in Allen County, according the the 2014 Allen County Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment, 32% of children in Allen County were either overweight or obese. Solutions begin with the youngest among us, that is why the Bluffton Community Preschool is placing a priority on health and wellness.
Bluffton Community Preschool has partnered with Activate Allen County’s PICH Grant to adopt a brand new Physical Activity Policy that ensures that all current and future students at Bluffton Community Preschool will receive the recommended amounts of physical activity each day they spend at preschool. The policy has a goal of increasing physical activity opportunities for children and limiting recreational screen time. It addresses the following focus areas that pertains to our goals: time, play environment, screen time, outdoor play, teacher practices, education & professional development and lastly an annual policy review.
PICH Staff and Bluffton Community Preschool staff have worked together to implement an action plan that included policy revision, policy communication and education materials.
Christine Clymer, Director of the Bluffton Community Preschool, explained why the health of the children that they serve is so important. “The preschool years are an important time for developing healthy habits for life. During the preschool years, children grow and develop in ways that affect behavior in all areas, including eating. As preschoolers grow, they change physically, mentally, and socially. Young children need our help to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits for life. We are happy to partner with Activate Allen County to help us instill healthy habits for life.”
Bluffton Community Preschool is one of our region’s leaders in terms of providing an active and healthy environment for all current and future students. To find out more about Bluffton Community Preschool call Christine at 419-358-0268.