FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 6, 2008
Contact: Kenneth J. Wolfe
(202) 401-9215

Head Start Program Grant Awarded to Prevent Childhood Obesity

WASHINGTON, DC – The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced today, in recognition of the 80th celebration of National Child Health Day, the winner of a $12 million, four-year grant to prevent overweight and obesity among young children in Head Start programs nationwide. 

The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) of Reston, Va., was selected following a competitive grant application process conducted by the ACF’s Office of Head Start for establishment of a National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play.  The National Center is a key component of the Surgeon General’s Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative.

“The creation of the National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play demonstrates our commitment to overweight and obesity prevention programs for young children in Head Start centers around the country,” said Daniel Schneider, acting assistant secretary for children and families with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “This center and the work that it performs will have a major impact on the future health of our nation’s children.”

Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson and Health Resources and Services Administrator Dr. Elizabeth Duke joined Schneider for this announcement at the Rosemount Center, a Head Start program in Washington, DC.

The National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play will help Head Start programs evaluate their playgrounds and educate children and their families about the value of healthy food and structured physical activity.  The center will assist the Head Start program in creating healthy learning environments, both in and outside the classroom, through structured and unstructured physical activity that leads to the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of young children.

The National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play, to be operated by AAHPERD, will provide direct support Head Start programs with training and technical assistance and grants of up to $5,000 to Head Start grantees for improvements and construction of playgrounds and outdoor play spaces.  It will also provide information and support to ACF’s Office of Head Start in setting national priorities and developing policies.

“The National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play will help Head Start address one of the greatest dangers to America’s children: overweight and obesity,” said Patricia Brown, director of ACF’s Office of Head Start.  “This center will help Head Start build on the many excellent programs already underway.”

“This grant will help children across the nation be physically active through everyday play and participation in sports,” said Rear Adm. Galson. “Just like eating and sleeping, physical activity should be a regular part of a child’s day.” 

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Note: All ACF news releases, fact sheets and other materials are available at www.acf.hhs.gov/opa/index.html.