Healthy Acadia to Offer Free PALS Training for Early Childhood Education Professionals
For immediate release
Release date: December 4, 2023
Program Contact: Sandy Fortin, sandy.fortin@healthyacadia.org or 207-667-7171 Ext. 228
Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, tracey@healthyacadia.org or 207-667-7171 Ext. 112
Healthy Acadia is thrilled to offer Physical Activity Learning (PALS) Sessions for Early Care and Education Professionals in early 2024.
PALS is a component of the Healthy Kids Healthy Future Technical Assistance Program developed by Nemours Children’s Health with funding support from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Learn more about PALS at https://healthykidshealthyfuture.org/trainers/pals/.
The PALS (Physical Activity Learning Session) learning sessions are a series of five trainings for child care professionals focused on the best practices for physical activity in Early Care & Education settings. Participants will recognize the important role of physical activity for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (Pre-K), identify their role in creating an environment that promotes physical activity, and gain the knowledge and tools needed to foster an environment that encourages active play among young children.
PALS trainers are Early Childhood Education (ECE) professionals, health trainers, and health educators who are enthusiastic supporters of physical activity. They recognize the influential role that child care professionals and ECE environments have on shaping positive physical activity experiences for young children. During the sessions, PALS participants will explore eight best practice areas, addressing the unique challenges faced by professionals in supporting and promoting physical activity.
The PALS sessions will be conducted virtually via Zoom every other Tuesday evening, commencing on January 9, 2024, and concluding on March 5, 2024. There is no cost to attend. This well-paced schedule ensures that participants can integrate the learnings seamlessly into their routines. The sessions are scheduled as follows:
January 9, 2024 - 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Session 1- Physical Activity in Early Childhood is Important
January 23, 2024 - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Session 2- Best Practice for Physical Activity in ECE Settings: Time & Space
February 6, 2024 - 6:30 p.m. to -8 p.m. Session 3- Best Practice for Physical Activity in ECE Settings: Types, Daily Activities, & the Provider’s Role
February 20, 2024 - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Session 4- Best Practice for Physical Activity in ECE Settings: Families, Training & Resources, & Policies
March 5, 2024 - 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Session 5- Goal Setting & Action Planning
Participants can anticipate a total commitment of 6.5 hours over the nine-week stretch. The thoughtfully distributed sessions aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter without overwhelming the participants.
Attendance in all five sessions is mandatory to ensure participants gain a holistic perspective on the subject matter. This commitment reflects the program's dedication to providing a thorough and immersive learning experience.
In order to maintain an interactive and engaging learning environment, the program is limited to 12 participants. Early registration is strongly encouraged, with a deadline set for December 28, 2023.
Click here to register or visit https://forms.gle/TCcv94Z6qKw9BreX7.
For those unable to secure a spot, a waitlist will be created.
Bonus Opportunity! As an added incentive, participants who attend all five sessions will be entered into a random drawing to win a Portable Play Equipment Package.
For questions or more information please contact the PALS session facilitator:
Sandy Fortin
Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Coordinator, Healthy Acadia
Sandy.Fortin@healthyacadia.org or 207-667-7171 Ext. 228
Healthy Acadia is a 501(C)(3) community health organization building vibrant communities and making it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives. They serve Washington and Hancock counties, and provide additional community health support and leadership across Maine. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s community health initiatives, visit healthyacadia.org.
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