All Pennsylvania programs and individuals are able to access North Carolina's Go NAPSACC online tool at no cost. Read on to learn more about how you can begin accessing the tools today!
​"The NAPSACC self-assessment results inspired me to make my center more appealing to parents, students, and staff both presently enrolled and those who inquire to be a part of our creative community," shares Miss Jess, Owner and Operator of Academy for Visual Arts in Northampton County.  "The assessment showed me the areas where I did well and the areas where I can improve.  In any business it is important to always be prepared to make changes.  As we undergo such drastic changes in our world, the young minds we are nurturing will need to be healthy and happy to succeed.   The NAPSACC program is a sure way to ensure their happiness and success.  The NAPSACC assessment not only showed me our centers imperfections but allowed me to dive deep and think about more impactful ways to make my center better than ever!"

The photo on the left shows Miss Jess and her student, Lucy, applying a NAPSACC participating program decal to their center door. 
What is NAPSACC?
NAPSACC is an online, self-paced, customized continuous quality improvement process focused on health practices and policies within early childhood education (ECE) settings. The program utilizes Go NAPSACC, an evidence-based tool, to guide participants through self-assessment, action planning, implementation, policy development, re-self-assessment, and reflection. The process empowers program leadership and includes tips, materials and online trainings to increase knowledge and improve quality of practice and policy. Past participants have shared that it is comfortable to have at least six months to implement all components. 
​What are the benefits of participation?
Engagement in the NAPSACC process can make a decided difference in the lives of Pennsylvania’s children by encouraging children to form healthy nutrition and physical activity habits that, learned early on, increases the likelihood of these habits being carried forward throughout their lives. Family members, caregivers, staff, and communities also benefit through sharing these experiences with children, creating a cohesive dynamic for long-term success. Read about the impact of PA NAPSACC.

Who can participate?
Pennsylvania ECE programs can participate in NAPSACC independently, with support from another agency or technical assistance (TA) provider/consultant, or through enrollment in the PA NAPSACC Wellness Grant. In addition, coaches, TA/consultants, and stakeholders can access the tools and create a TA account, linking with programs to support them in their journey. Go NAPSACC provides training for individuals with ECE provider accounts, as well as those with a TA account. ​
How do I get started?
​For Coaches, TAs, and Consultants
If you are a coach, technical assistant, or consultant, who would like to access Go NAPSACC to gain knowledge about the resource and support programs, click here to complete an application to access the tools at no cost:
For ECE programs wishing to use the tools independently or with an organization's support
The Getting Started with NAPSACC Guide below will walk you through the steps to gain access to Go NAPSACC, register for an account, and begin using the tool in your program. 
Picture
Note: Programs may participate in NAPSACC at any time, independently or in partnership with a supportive agency or individual.  IF, however, your program is currently enrolled in, or interested in learning more about, the PA NAPSACC Wellness Grant project specifically, please contact Lori McMonigal at [email protected] directly for information regarding current or upcoming PA NAPSACC Wellness Grant opportunities. ​
For those interested in learning more about how NAPSACC aligns with Keystone STARS Bonus Points

Because NAPSACC is an organized effort to promote health and wellness for children, and includes families to support nutrition and physical activities at home, the process aligns with the Keystone STARS category of Partnerships with Families and Communities. Families are encouraged to be part of the continuous quality improvement team through family engagement activities. Therefore, participation in NAPSACC is included as an eligible activity under Keystone STARS Performance Standard Bonus Points -  Partnerships with Families and Communities (2 points) Click below to learn more.
YWCA was also recognized in 2018 by PA NAPSACC for adapting their nutrition and fitness program, YW CHAMPS, so that all classrooms had the opportunity to participate and access to the resources and experiences. Written policies were expanded to ensure that each child in every classroom received equivalent nutrition and fitness education and enrichment.

YWCA Tri-County Area Early Education Center Awarded Gold Level as
Pennsylvania’s Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion

YWCA Tri-County Area Early Education Center was awarded the Gold level as a Pennsylvania’s Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion. More than 50 submissions were received as part of the 2022 recognition of the work being done around equity in early childhood education programs across the state.

The award, issued by the state’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning, recognizes the equity work being done within Pennsylvania’s early childhood education and after-school settings.

“We are thrilled to be selected as a 2022 Pennsylvania’s Equity in Early Education Champion Award,” said Kathleen Seeley, Senior Early Education Director. “Our mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our community, like so many across the country, has been impacted by poverty, violence, homelessness, social injustice, and food insecurity. Children and families, struggling with the concerns related to these environmental inequities, need non-judgmental, loving adults surrounding them with love and respect.”

Access full press release here.
​
Picture
Used coffee grounds available to customers for use in their gardens at a coffee shop in Lancaster, PA.
Get the Scoop on Gardening from your Pennsylvania Neighbors!

There is more than one way to grow a garden! Take a look at these  amazing examples from child care programs across the state!

Go NAPSACC Supports Outdoor/Nature-based Play, Farm to ECE and more

Did you know that Go NAPSACC offers self-assessments, pre-made action plans, and resources related to Outdoor Play and Learning as well as Farm to ECE? Request Go NAPSACC access today to learn more! Here is just one example of the many resources available to you in Go NAPSACC:

Starting a Preschool Garden - A Menu of Options
​
​For more creative strategies, be sure to visit our References and Resources for Expanding Nature-Based Learning page!
Picture
Check out Grow Pittsburgh! Growing food is a key factor in building and supporting healthy and equitable communities in Pittsburgh. Grow Pittsburgh is a 501c3 charitable nonprofit that serves as a resource and guide for backyard, school and community gardeners, as well as urban farmers across the Greater Pittsburgh region.  Our mission is to teach people how to grow food and to promote the benefits that gardens bring to our neighborhoods.  
Integrating Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month into Early Childhood Education
​
Picture
Lindsey Brown, Owner/Director of Brown's Family Childcare LLC, a group child care in Venango County, has a passion for children's health and nutrition.  As an active participant in the Child and Adult Care Food Program for over 8 years, Lindsey eagerly volunteered to pilot the use of Harvest of the Month resources in her childcare.  Her creative use of integrating the materials into other learning areas and incorporating supportive resources resulted in healthy fun for the children in her care. Lindsey tells her story through video and encourages others to give these resources a try!
Staying Connected with Children and Families during COVID-19

Picture
Utilizing creativity and innovation, The Caring Center staff in Philadelphia found ways to connect and support families during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fall of 2020, staff from The Caring Center participated in a focus group to reflect on ways in which the COVID-19 crisis affected the obesity prevention goals set by their program prior to the pandemic. The program quickly adapted to provide virtual delivery of children’s educational programming and family outreach during the state-wide shut down. The photo on the left shows Miss Marisol leading a fun, virtual movement activity using "Baby Shark."
Picture
Miss Raina leads Mindful Moments virtually during the quarantine.
Picture
Miss Erica leads a cooking demonstration for families to engage in from home.
Gardening Together​

​In addition to the adaptations made to support children's learning during the pandemic, The Caring Center expanded their Farm to Early Childhood Education activities to include a unique partnership with KidsGardening.org, DreamWorks Animation, Terren Landscapes and Tiny WPA to install a new edible garden including  three new apple trees. Growing fruits and veggies is a great way to teach kids about healthy eating and nurtures their sense of wonder and curiosity. 

Greenhouse Growing and Urban Farm Partnership​

Take a moment to visit with Rebecca Perry, Farm to School Educator at Today’s Child Learning Centers and Warwick Child Care Center in Delaware and Chester Counties, as she describes the awesome ways their program connects with community to integrate Farm to ECE into their program. Programming was supported with funding from the Pennsylvania Head Start Farm to ECE Capacity grant.
Recipes for Success
Check out the Recipes for Success in nutrition and physical activity cards. The tools, available in English and Spanish, can be downloaded, printed, and shared.

Since 2012, over 500 early learning programs have participated in the PA NAPSACC and experienced significant outcomes.   Over 20 previous PA NAPSACC Mini-grant Project participants have invited to share their success stories and innovative practices. You can browse the categories below to find a topic of interest and view videos and narrative descriptions of the practices in action.

Nutrition

Physical Activity

Curriculum & Education

Policy &
Consultation