What to know
Embedding high-impact obesity prevention standards (HIOPS) into policies and activities in early care and education settings can affect the health and well-being of millions of young children. Of 47 HIOPS, 11 standards support physical activity.
Physical activity
Of, these 11 standards support physical activity in early care and education settings.
- Provide children with adequate space for both inside and outside play.
- Provide orientation and annual training opportunities for caregivers/teachers to learn about age-appropriate gross motor activities and games that promote physical activity.
- Develop written policies on the promotion of physical activity and the removal of potential barriers to physical activity participation.
- Require caregivers/teachers to promote children's active play and participate in active games at times when they can safely do so.
- Do not withhold active play from children who misbehave.
- Provide daily for all children, birth to 6 years, 2 to 3 occasions of active play outdoors, weather permitting.
- Allow toddlers 60 to 90 minutes per 8-hour day for moderate to vigorous physical activity.
- Allow preschoolers 90 to 120 minutes per 8-hour day for moderate to vigorous physical activity.
- Provide daily for all children, birth to 6 years, 2 or more structured or caregiver/ teacher/ adult-led activities or games that promote movement over the course of the day—indoor or outdoor.
- Ensure that infants have supervised tummy time every day when they are awake.
- Use infant equipment, such as swings, stationary activity centers, infant seats, and molded seats, only for short periods, if at all.