Maintaining an Active Environment

Let's Move! Child Care- Physical Activities

Let's Move; The Nemours Foundation.

Provides ideas and resources to keep kids moving in child care settings.


Active Start: A Statement of Physical Activity Guidelines for Children From Birth to Age 5

National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

NASPE developed specific guidelines for the physical activity of children from birth to age 5 to support its position statement and to address the developing child’s unique characteristics and needs. The guidelines reflect the best thinking of specialists in motor development, movement and exercise about the physical activity needs of young children during the first years of life.


Healthy Tips for Active Play

USDA. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.

Information on how to identify if a child is active enough, tips on raising active children, and why play is so important for children.


Active Early: A Wisconsin Guide for Improving Childhood Physical Activity

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Active Early and Healthy Bites are companion guides designed to help early care and education (ECE) professionals address childhood obesity by improving physical activity and nutrition in the program. Active Early focuses on physical activity and is based on current science, public health research and national recommendations.


Physical Fitness for Toddlers (PDF | 180 KB)

Illinois Early Learning Project.

This tip sheet lists what to expect in terms of physical activity capabilities from children at various stages, and offers activity suggestions.


Mealtime Memo

National Food Service Management Institute.

Two-page fact sheet for child care providers participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, published six times per year. Includes a wide variety of topics related to child care. Several issues offer tips and information about promoting physical activity in young children. Also available in Spanish.