Physical Activity Recognition

Recognition in Farm to ECE shows that a facility understands that movement is fundamental to children’s healthy growth and development and their ability to focus and learn. Check out the evidence-based practices required for recognition in Physical Activity below.

Gross Motor Development

Children need practice and adult guidance and encouragement to learn the gross motor skills that form the foundation for an active life.

Indoor Portable Play Equipment

Portable play equipment invites children to get moving. Offering a variety of equipment helps children build different gross motor skills that form the foundation for an active life.

Physical Activity Policy

A written policy on physical activity shows that a facility understands the important role that physical activity plays in both healthy growth and development and learning.

How to Apply

Follow the steps below, or review this checklist for applying. This presentation and its recording also cover the basics of applying for the Physical Activity, Outdoor Play & Learning, and Screen Time recognitions.

  1. Make sure the facility is eligible for the Physical Activity REACH recognition.
    • REACH recognized facilities/programs must be licensed and located in North Carolina and serve infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children.
    • Facilities/programs must have achieved a score of “Leading the Way” on their latest Go NAPSACC Physical Activity self-assessment (taken within the past 12 months).
  1. Gather required information and documentation. Along with providing basic information about the ECE program, you will show how the facility is meeting key evidence-based practices in Physical Activity by submitting scanned copies/photos of:
    • weekly schedules that show that the facility offers the best practice amount of time for physical activity each day for each age group
    • photos of physical activity toys and equipment indoors
    • a description of a teacher’s favorite activity/equipment that helps children practice motor skills and/or tummy time
    • the section of the family/staff handbook that states the facility’s commitment to Physical Activity

At the end of the application, you will have the opportunity to share why supporting children’s physical activity is important to this facility and the partners that have helped them along the way. This information is used in recognized program profiles. You may also upload a photo for this profile.

Use this print copy of the application to make sure you have all of the information you need to complete the application. Details about the documentation required can be found in the best practice profiles above.

  1. Complete this online application. This checklist can help you make sure you’re ready to go. Either a representative from an ECE program or their TA partner may complete this application. You will complete one application for each facility. Applications are due by Feb 24, 2023 for March recognition, by April 15, 2023 for May recognition, or by June 15, 2023 for July recognition. Reviewers will look over your application and either come back with questions or issue the recognition.

Recognition

Recognized facilities receive a profile on our website as well as a yard sign, certificate, and graphics and draft language to include in social media posts or family newsletters. REACH shares facilities’ success through social media and will work with TA Consultants to look for local opportunities to celebrate recognized facilities.

Thanks to our reviewers of the Physical Activity recognition.

Thanks to Rich Rairigh from Go NAPSACC, Dr. Diane Craft from SUNY Cortland, creator of Active Play!, Kelly Kavanaugh, NC Division of Public Health, and our TA Advisory Committee for their feedback on our Physical Activity key best practices and recognition application.

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