Over 50 childcare providers and center staff attended day long training to learn how to incorporate more meaningful physical activity and nutritious foods into their childcare setting. Providers were trained in two evidence-based programs - I am Moving, I am Learning (IMIL) and Learning About Nutrition Through Activities (LANA). Participants of the training received curriculum and music for IMIL, a tote full of homemade play materials to use with children and information on how to access the LANA curriculum at their local library.
SHIP Supervisor Chera Sevcik and staff Lia Lambert and Sandy Lorenz led the training which overviewed concepts such as Moving with the Brain in Mind—utilizing movement to spark brain development and Child Assessment—identifying child maturation and development with movement. Childcare providers were up and moving as they learned how to incorporate fun music into their setting that helps children utilize brain development and meaningful movements—all the while, being physically active!
The IMIL Kit- which included soft balls for use indoors or out, netting, napkins and mechanics rags, Lummi Sticks, LANA recipe book, Yarn, Streamers and a jump drive of training materials and music.
Several of the songs included sign language :)
Lia and Chera demonstrate the "Build a Bridge" Song
Nutrition was also overviewed as Lana the Iguana was featured as a way to engage children in eating eight fruits or vegetables featured in the program. LANA overviewed items such as how to encourage children to explore fruits and veggies using taste testing, cooking activities, menu changes and family engagement. Providers also learned about the importance of policy when looking at their practices for food and physical activity.
LANA and her veggie pals on display at the training. These materials are available for check-out at libraries within the five counties.
Guests helped themselves to "traffic light" snacks, one of the many recipes found in the LANA cookbook!
Several providers commented on the impact the training provided for them. Valerie Zigich, a licensed home daycare provider, stated “This training is the best I've been to yet, and I’ve been doing daycare of 6 years! I am going to get cd’s for all of my daycare parents so they can move at home too!”
Carol Goeden, a long-time licensed home daycare providers in Wells, MN also commented on the value of the training stating, “This training was just awesome. In 36 years of child care this was the best training I've attended. The presenters knew their material and were enthusiastic and the day was well worth attending, even on a Saturday at the end of a full week. It's hard to find the right music and figure out movements and we left that day with a flash drive ready to use. We were able to start using IMIL right away and the kids love it. The nutrition information was also very valuable and the kids loved making and eating the Stoplight snack. I plan to check out the LANA curriculum at the library and get more ideas for making nutritious snacks with the kids."
SHIP Staff are looking at providing more training's in the Fall to catch those who were unable to attend the June 9 or June 23 training's. Staff are also available to assist any provider, center or school-based center with implementing the program, or with developing a policy for implementing healthy nutrition and physical activity practices into their setting. For more information, please contact Chera Sevcik at chera.sevcik@fmchs.com or by phone at 507-236-5376
