ChildcareAlive! E-NewsOctober 2013
In This Issue
Having Fun with Movement
Trending Now: Children and Gluten-Free Diets
Healthy Halloween Treats
Upcoming Trainings
Is Your Child Care Alive?
ChildcareAlive! is an exciting program for child care programs and preschools in Cass and Clay Counties that uses engaging on-site activities to reach parents, children, and providers/teachers with positive and consistent messages about healthy foods and active play.

Important Dates for ChildcareAlive! Programs:
Resource Purchasing Request Deadline: January 31st, 2014
End of Fall Program: February 15th, 2014 

Beginning of Program for Spring Providers: February 17th, 2014

dancing girl
Fun to Move, Move for Fun
Music and Movement, Zumbatomics, and More
In order to promote healthy weight and optimal development, children need lots of active play every day (ideally 90-120 minutes per day). For children (and adults, too), physical activity is much easier when it is FUN. Think about your own efforts to be physically active; doesn't it always seem easier to stay active when you are having fun? It is no different with children.

Active play should be exactly what is sounds like; it should be play, and it should be fun. Think about the activities children enjoy doing during the day, and then think about ways to make some of them more active. If children enjoy listening to stories, encourage them to act out the story. If children enjoy pretend play, encourage them to move like different animals at the zoo (monkeys, elephants, fish, etc.) If children enjoy music, encourage them to dance to some favorite songs.

One new way some local child care providers are adding movement to their day is through Zumbatomics, which is Zumba dancing for kids! Check out the Zumbatomics video link below, as well as the other links that may provide new ideas for active play.
Motion Moments from the National Resource Center, including videos for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

What's Trending Now.. 
Should Children Eat Gluten-Free Diets? 
Lately, there is a lot of talk about about gluten and gluten-free diets. Going gluten-free has been rumored to help with a variety of health issues, but what exactly is gluten? Does it have any place in a child's diet? When should adults and children follow gluten-free diets, and when shouldn't they? Read this article from KidsEatRight.org to learn more about gluten-free diets and children.
 
"For most children gluten is completely harmless, with two exceptions.
Eating for the Season
Photo originally appears in FamilyFun Magazine
Healthy Halloween Treats
Most Halloween treats are very sweet and full of empty calories. Try replacing a few of those sweet treats with some of these Healthy Halloween Snacks:

Recipe source: Spoonful.com
Professional Development Opportunities
Easy Reach Online Courses (North Dakota & Minnesota)
Available 24/7. Some topics include "Supporting Breastfeeding in Child Care," "Music and Movement," and "Reducing Sodium and Trans-Fat in Child Care Settings." Explore ND Training Website for more information.

Eager-to-Learn Online Courses (Minnesota Counties):
Mealtimes Made Healthy (Parent Aware Accepted Training)
Chat Sessions: Mondays 8:00-8:45pm CST
November 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th, 2013
Cost: $60.00 (registration closes 7 days prior to start of course)

Let's Move! Child Care (Parent Aware Accepted Training)
Chat Sessions: Thursdays 7:00-7:45pm CST
November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th, & 19th, 2013
Cost: $115.00 (registration closes 7 days prior to start of course)

Face-to-Face Training (Minnesota Counties): 
Let's Move! Child Care (Parent Aware Accepted Training)
When: December 10th, 6:30pm-9:30 pm
Location: Moorhead, MN (Travelodge, 3027 Frontage Road South)
Cost: $27 (or $32 after December 3, 2013)

More MN Training information: www.mnstreams.org