American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Head Start Body Start Project at AAHPERD Has Increased Physical Activity for More Than 28,000 Children

More than 1,500 grants to improve Head Start centers' outdoor play spaces and educate staff, children and their families about the value of physical activity and playing outdoors, have led to a dramatic increase in the outdoor activity levels of more than 28,000 preschool children over the past three years, say officials from Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS), an initiative of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Outdoor play helps young children to connect with the natural world, while tapping into many health benefits, including increased moderate to vigorous activity, vitamin D exposure, increased immunity and better sleep as well as playing more creatively.  Read the full press release>>