A new National Physical Activity Plan released this week includes recommendations for before- and after-school activities.
The plan, which was unveiled by a panel representing major health organizations, seeks to get Americans more active in all aspects of life, including education. In addition to promoting high-quality physical education during the school day, officials also want students in before- and after-school programs to get moving. This starts with encouraging Safe Routes to School that allow kids to walk or bike to school.
In addition, the plan recommends:
- Encouraging states to adopt standards for including physical activity in after-school programs.
- Requiring a physical activity component in all state and federally funded after-school programs, including 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
- Working with community college systems to include physical activity training in their early-childhood and school-age childcare-preparation programs.
- Subsidizing transportation and program costs of after-school programs through local, state, and federal sources.
- Providing resources for innovative pilot projects in the after-school setting.
How do you keep the kids in your before- and after-school programs active? I’d love to hear ideas.