Table 3.
Physical Activity Policies
| Policy Area: Active Play and Inactive Time | |
| Policy #1 | Children will have at least of 90 min of structured and unstructured playtime each school day. |
| Policy #2 | Children will participate in outdoor active play two times or more each school day. |
| Policy #3 | Children will participate in morning outdoor play (structured activity 15 min and free play 15 min) each school day. |
| Policy #4 | Children will participate in active learning classroom activities during center time, transition, and breaks (30 min) each school day. |
| Policy #5 | Children will participate in afternoon outdoor play (structured activity 15 min and free play 15 min) each school day. |
| Policy #6 | Screen time for entertainment at the center will be limited to 30 min per week. |
| Policy #7 | Children’s sitting time will be < 15 min in any setting except nap and meal time. |
| Policy Area: Play Environment | |
| Policy #8 | Each child will have a piece of play equipment during structured play. |
| Policy #9 | A variety of portable play equipment will be available for children to use at the same time during free play. |
| Policy #10 | Heat Start teachers and teaching aids will lead and participate in physical activity with children. |
| Policy #11 | Play area will be safe for children to play. |
| Policy Area: Supporting Physical Activity | |
| Policy #12 | Head Start staff will encourage children to engage in active play without pressure. |
| Policy #13 | Head Start staff will not withhold playtime as punishment for children’s misbehaviors. |
| Policy #14 | All Head Start center staff will complete a mandatory, paid training on obesity prevention, physical activity and nutrition. |