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Free PALS Training for Early Childhood Education Professionals


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 Centers 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 childcare professionals focused on the best practices for physical activity in Early Care and 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.

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 weeks. 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. 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.