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 47 HIOPS, 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.
Learn more
Background: National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education.