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
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