Greater Rochester Healthy Child Care 2010

Statistics from a recent study show that nearly 40 percent of children ages 2 to 18 living in the city of Rochester are overweight or obese. These statistics matter because overweight children are at risk for asthma, sleep disorders, diabetes, orthopedic problems, early puberty, and a range of social and emotional concerns.

In 2007, in a competitive application process, Children’s Institute was awarded a $2.1million grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation and became the managing partner and evaluator for Greater Rochester Healthy Child Care 2010. This early childhood overweight and obesity prevention program promotes healthy habits for young children 2-5 years old in child care settings within Monroe County by increasing their physical activity and improving their nutrition. We track the height, weight, and body mass index of the children in the program and communicate those results to the stakeholders in a timely manner for outcomes assessment and quality improvements.

Children’s Institute was instrumental in identifying and supporting the evidence-based curriculum, Hip-Hop to Health Jr, for the children. The project also includes the New York State initiative, Eat Well Play Hard, that provides on-site training to children, parents, and staff. Both curricula encourage better food choices, physical activity, and parent involvement.

Collaborating Partners:

• Child Care Council
• Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong
• Rochester Childfirst Network