Physical Activity in After-School Programs
Nearly half of North Carolina’s children do not get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity they need to maintain a healthy body. After-school programs can not only help kids meet the recommended amount but also exceed it by implementing a quality physical activity program for participants. Physical activity after school can take many forms including organized sports and unstructured or structured play. As an after-school program lead, you can decide which physical activity opportunities work best for your participants.
We utilize the Move More North Carolina: Recommended Standards for After-School Physical Activity to help after-school programs meet the following physical activity standards:
- Provide moderate to vigorous activities that meet the recommended 60 minutes or more daily.
- Ensure the staff to participant ratio is 1:15 to allow staff to interact and engage easily with after-school participants.
- Provide a safe facility for after-school participants. Whether using a gym, a field, a cafeteria, or a classroom, the setting should work for all participants.
- Provide equipment that is age appropriate, safe, adaptable, and encourages movement.
Contact Evie Houtz for more information about making a commitment to get kids in your after-school program physically active.
