Public Health trained staff at two Somali childcare centers to add physical activity into their daily childcare routine using the "I Am Moving I Am Learning" curriculum. We provided this training because childcare staff told us it was an important need and health issue. They said children didn’t get enough play time at home and this caused difficult behavior during the day.
In addition to adding physical activity and improving behavior, the training also taught teachers how to help children with early learning to prepare them for school. We found many of the children lacked preschool screening, so we made it possible for Bloomington Schools to offer the accessible screening for these families.
The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP), Minnesota Department of Health provided funding support for this project. SHIP promotes physical activity in everyday living to prevent chronic disease.
