ChildcareAlive! E-News

September 2015

In This Issue
National Farm to Preschool Day
PLAY Video Series: Marching
Seasonal Eating: Pumpkin
Upcoming Trainings
What is ChildcareAlive?
ChildcareAlive! is an exciting program for child care programs and preschools in Cass County (ND) and Clay, Becker, Wilkin, and Otter Tail Counties (MN) that uses engaging on-site activities to reach parents, children, and providers/teachers with positive and consistent messages about healthy foods and active play. 
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Important Dates:
July - November: ChildcareAlive! (Becker, Wilkin, Otter Tail counties)
June - October (or end of growing season): Farm-to-Child Care 2015
December 9th: End of ChildcareAlive! for Fall 2015
Celebrate Farm to School Month and Farm to Preschool Day
Focusing on farm-to-preschool this October
October is National Farm to School month, and October 15th is Farm to Preschool Day! The summer presents a great opportunity to introduce farm-to-table themes in your ECE program, but it's not too late! You can still teach children about fresh produce by celebrating Farm to School month and Farm to Preschool Day in October. Celebrating Farm-to-Preschool themes can be very simple because the "farm to school" movement is a mentality, not necessarily a set program or curriculum.

Check out any of these great resources:
What is Farm to Preschool?
Purchasing Local Foods - Tips for Centers and Family Child Care Homes

Already talking about farming/gardening in your program? Check out some of these activity ideas:
Harvest for Healthy Kids (activity plans)
More curricula and program models at farmtopreschool.org
PLAY: Physically Leading Active Youth 
Marching
This month's video highlights the fundamental movement skill of marching. Marching is not just a fun way for children to move - it also helps children to learn the motions that it takes to eventually skip and leap! Watch this video to learn a few teaching cues along with some quick activities.
Eating for the Season: Pumpkin
Just about everyone loves pumpkins this time of year, and they can be used for more than just carving on Halloween!
 
Choose pumpkins that are firm and heavy for their size. They can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months.Canned pumpkin is a good, quick option.
Professional Development Opportunities

Easy Reach Online Courses (North Dakota) 
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.

Minnesota Eager-to-Learn Online Training
ATL (Anytime Learning): 
 - Building a Healthy Plate: Cooking with Whole Grains
 - Supporting Breastfeeding in Child Care Programs  
Anytime Learning (ATL) trainings are online, self-paced courses that can be taken at any time. Register for ATL  courses at eagertolearn.org(Remember, as of August 1st, you must have a Develop Account to sign up for ATL or ETL courses. Learn more at www.developtoolmn.org)

More Minnesota Training information: www.mnstreams.org