Active Play in Orange

County, CA State Preschools

Arlene Turner, M.S. May 31, 2017

Child Signature Program

• Matching funding from First Five CA & Children & Families Commission of OC

• Support educators, young children & families in 61 classrooms • Staff training & coaching • Support & services for families & children

• Over 2,000 preschoolers, toddlers & infants

• Whole child health was a key component

Assessments

• CHOICE assessments on current practices • Administrators & staff

• Environmental assessments • Playground • In classroom

• Informal interviews with staff

Body Mass Index • All children were measured for BMI

• Length to weight for under 2 years

• High rates of BMI >95% among children • Low energy expenditure on the playground

Identified Needs

• Teachers’ & staff knowledge • More support on the playground • More portable equipment • More targeted parent education • Environmental improvements • Gross motor assessments

Barriers

• Administrative support • Time constraints

• Real or perceived

• Staff attitudes & beliefs • Resources • Families’ needs & knowledge

Focus on Active Play

• What is Active Play? Vigorous Solitary or social

• Why is it important? Healthy growth & development

• How much? 120 minutes daily

Enhanced Learning

• Cognitive ability Reasoning Decision making • Problem solving Sequences Concentration Multi-task • Language skills New words & concepts

Social Interactions

• Shared space/self space • Regulate behavior • Handle emotions • Conflict resolution • Sense of belonging • Fosters friendship

Key Messages for Staff

• Enhances child’s learning • Behavior management • Meeting milestones

• DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile) https://www.desiredresults.us/sites/default/files/docs/forms/DRDP2015PSC_090116.pdf

Locomotor Moving from one place to another, i.e. walking, running, jumping forward Manipulative Using an object or implement, i.e. catching or kicking a ball or swinging a bat Stability Controlling one’s body while balancing, i.e. turning, twisting, reaching

What Are Fundamental Movement Skills

Actions

• Provide more portable play equipment • Teach Fundamental Movement Skills • Fit Active Play into routines

• Transitions

• Integrate Active Play into learning activities • Reading or circle time

• Spend time on each playground as a participant in Active Play • Gross motor skills assessments when indicated

Teachers as Role Models

• Offered staff trainings • Stand alone or series • Half day and full day

• Mentoring during playground visits

What can adults do to promote Active Play?

• Provide guidance & instruction • Prompt • Be Enthusiastic • Praise effort • Be a good role model • Engage all grownups

Speak a child’s language

• Happy heart • Happy hormones • Super strong • Fast feet • Quick thinking • Super smart

Parents as Active Play Partners • Parent engagement was a struggle initially • Focus on FUN was a game changer • Adults role in helping children was emphasized

• Offer opportunities for guided practice. • Potential Active Play volunteers on the playground.

• Family Fun Days at each site • Fit Fun series

• Parent classes on Active Play & nutrition education

Stencils

Stencils

Stencils

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/NEOPB/Documents/Orange%20County%20OCDE%20Painted-Playground-Cards%20final.pdf

Summary

• Staff & administration commitment to Active Play • Staff changes at sites • Loss of funding • Focus on Fun! Fun! Fun!

Contact Information: Arlene Turner, MS

acthealthy1@gmail.com