Professional Development Opportunities
Nourish Yourself, Create Healthy Futures: Your Journey to Wellness (NYCHF) On Demand Lesson and Pilot Program
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"NYCHF was an excellent program that allowed everyone involved, participants and facilitators, the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect on healthy eating and lifestyles. The discussions and resources shared within our group were priceless! As a facilitator it was a pleasure to study with, guide and encourage others to begin and/or continue a journey into healthy eating, and incorporate these practices into their programs!" - Selena Oliver, Co-Facilitator and Owner/Director of Promise and Possibilities Learning Academy |
Peer Co-Facilitators Lindsey Brown, Owner/Director of Brown's Family Child Care, LLC and Selena Oliver, Owner/Director of Promises and Possibilities Learning Academy, led six group discussion sessions during the pilot.
 Children in Monica Wince's Family Child Care Home engage in yoga stretches together.
Pilot program participant Monica Wince, Owner/Director of Monica Wince's Family Child Care Home, shares her experience:
"Realizing that we do not always take time for yourselves needs to be the starting point of your journey. The resources that we received from this program are phenomenal, and saving them is brilliant. We know what we should do… eating healthy, resting, drinking plenty of water, exercising, etc., and yet seeing the information while being present and mindful finally clicked this time for me. The mindset of taking care of ourselves WHILE promoting the same to the families we provide services for just hit home and rang true. Our facilitator, Selena, guided us through thoughtful and informative discussions on the materials and resources we received. And then there is YOGA!!!! Taking time for yourself is something that we don’t always do, even though we know that we should. Danielle is strategic, patient, extremely experienced as she guides you through a transformation of YOU. Being present, mindful, reminded to BREATHE and then introducing you to simple yet imperative poses, that you can and should accomplish at your own pace, keeping yourself present and enjoying each and every pose. Nourish Yourself-Create Healthy Futures is just what I needed when I took the time to treat myself… Taking advantage of this experience is one of the greatest blessings…I have faith that you will love it as much as I have." To access the On Demand NYCHF lesson, and many more opportunities offered through Better Kid Care, click the link below. 
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On Demand Lesson:
Personal health and wellness is a journey in which everyone progresses at their own pace. The opportunity to make healthy eating choices is based on knowing what those choices are, strategies to promote those healthy choices and setting goals to make healthier choices. Traditionally, ECE professionals focus on the health and wellness of the children in their care with little attention to their personal wellness. This module, offered by Penn State Better Kid Care, provides information and strategies to make and model healthy choices, create a healthy food environment, and navigate the food environment in a healthier way. Pilot Program: In Fall of 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Tuscarora Intermediate Unit (TIU), and PA School Wellness initiated a 12-week pilot program of Better Kid Care’s program NYCHF. Materials for this pilot were created by Penn State Better Kid Care and University of Texas School of Public Health. The pilot included completion of the NYCHF On Demand Module, as well virtual peer discussion groups every other week and optional yoga and mindfulness virtual classes offered through Danielle Thum, Health and Prevention Program Manager of UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Family Care Connection Centers. Danielle has graciously provided the video activities below that you can use with the children and families in your care. We hope you enjoy building mindful movement into your day together. 
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PA NAPSACC Professional Development Modules
These online, self-paced, free professional development modules are designed to inform early childhood educators about healthy nutrition and physical activity environments and practices and why they are so important.
The modules were designed by Pennsylvania NAPSACC and partners. Each module is worth one hour of professional development in the Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality Registry and will appear on your Registry transcript for those with a PA Key account. Instructions related to the Registry are included within the quizzes associated with each module.
Click on the titles below to access the modules.
An Inclusive Approach to Planning Physical Activities
Farm to Early Care and Education
Nutrition and Oral Health
Promoting Infant and Toddler Nutrition and Physical Activity
An Inclusive Approach to Planning Physical Activities
Farm to Early Care and Education
Nutrition and Oral Health
Promoting Infant and Toddler Nutrition and Physical Activity
PD Registry
Access excellent professional development opportunities like Color Me Healthy, Color Me Healthy: It All Begins with You, I Am Moving, I Am Learning, and Cavity Free Kids through the PD Registry.
Access excellent professional development opportunities like Color Me Healthy, Color Me Healthy: It All Begins with You, I Am Moving, I Am Learning, and Cavity Free Kids through the PD Registry.
Be sure to visit these Keystone Kids Go partners who offer high quality, low/no cost, professional development around health topics!
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