What is Be Active Kids?

Be Active Kids is a physical activity initiative focused on providing physical activity related support and resources to individuals caring for young children in North Carolina. More than 200,000 children spend their day in nearly 5,000 licensed child care centers across the state. Children are born to move and play.

Be Active Kids teaches  early childhood professionals and adults how to facilitate the natural tendency for children to move. Increasing the health and physical activity among our youngest children and those who care for them is essential in ensuring that these children are ready to learn  and have the best possible quality of life  as they grow and develop.

The Be Active Kids message is carried out through five cuddly and adventurous characters including Blue the caring cub, Glide the bird, Swing the monkey, Leap the rabbit and Dart the dog.  Using these characters as their guides, children can engage in playful experiences, interact with a story, explore their natural surroundings, and much more.

The Need for Be Active Kids

  •  North Carolina has the 11thhighest childhood obesity rate in the nation (Trust for America’s Health)
  • Nearly one out of three (31%) children ages 2-4 who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in North Carolina is overweight or obese (NC-NPASS, NCDHHS).
  • Over 45% of children under age 10 in North Carolina watch at least two hours of television on a typical day (CHAMP, NCDHHS).  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no more than one to two hours of quality TV and videos a day for older children and no screen time for children under the age of two.
  • While parents of preschoolers spent their free time as kids exploring and playing in nature, their children devote only four to seven minutes a day of unstructured outdoor play. (Institute of Social Research, University of Michigan)
  • Preschoolers should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity and should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time except while sleeping.  (DHHS).  North Carolina Child Care requires at least 60 minutes of outdoor play a day, weather permitted.

Get Involved with Be Active Kids

Visit www.beactivekids.org and join the Be Active Kids Network.  Be Active  staff will give you access to the tools  you need to evaluate your site, set goals for physical activity, and implement changes to get more  young children, more active, more often. For more information on Be Active Kids or to find a local trainer, contact Be Active at 919.287.7012.