Healthy Child Development
High quality child development programs provide a solid foundation for healthy child development. Land-grant university and extension programs in parent education, early childhood and child care strengthen families by providing relevant information and educational opportunities to parents and caregivers to assist them in making decisions that are in the best interest of their children. In partnership with the land-grant university system and other federal agencies and private organizations, CSREES supports healthy child development efforts throughout the nation.
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New HHS Guidelines and toolkit on physical activity for Americans
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans designed to provide information and guidance on the types and amounts of physical activity that provide substantial health benefits for Americans aged 6 years and older. Developed with health professionals and policymakers in mind, the Physical Activity Guidelines describe (1) a total amount of activity per week that allows people to design their own way of meeting the Guidelines and (2) a range of physical activity options that emphasizes the more you do, the more health benefits you gain. Recommendations are made for groups such as children and adolescents, adults, older adults, persons with disabilities, pregnant and postpartum women, and persons with some chronic conditions. To complement the Guidelines, HHS has developed a Toolkit that can help you get the word out about the new Guidelines and encourage Americans to be physically active. More information and 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans materials are available online.
Home of the brave seeks K-5 children art
Home of the Brave seeks K-5 children's art for use in a series of On Our Behalf video spots. These videos will be released nationally to challenge communities to support National Guard and Reserve families during and after deployment.
Home of the Brave will also include selections of the art on a DVD that will be made available to the Extension network. Selections of the art will be featured at the Kansas State University Beach Museum of Art from March 6 to May 22, 2009, concurrent with a national exhibition titled "The American Soldier: From the Civil War to the War in Iraq."
For information on submitting art, to view submissions, and learn about the Submission Awards that will be provided, visit and look under "Children's Art." Art must be received prior to December 1, 2008.
Better Kid Care America selected as eXtension Family Community of Practice
The Better Kid Care America (BKCA) Community of Practice (COP) is a team of extension professionals that provides education, resources, and support for childcare professions and families that use childcare services. This COP involves state, regional, and county staff to provide extensive training in early childhood curriculum, early childhood teaching practices, child development, health and safety, and childcare business practices.
Better Kid Care America provides a coordinated array of Web-based resources to ensure that all young children receive high-quality, developmentally appropriate early care and education experiences that provide a foundation for success in school, work, and social relationships.
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