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Early Childhood
Obesity Prevention
Quarterly Newsletter | January 2021

ECOP Resources

New and Updated Trainings

The Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS) is a one-stop online resource for training related to early care and learning.

Available courses include the Supporting Breastfeeding in Child Care course now available in English and Spanish

The Introduction to the Child and Adult Care Food Program course also has a fresher look and updated content.

Consider taking these courses or sharing with others to get the most up-to-date information. 
Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Recognition

Healthy Child Care Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, recognized eight Early Care and Education programs as Breastfeeding Friendly during the pilot phase of the recognition program. Congratulations to all programs!

Trained Advisors provided technical assistance to help programs implement breastfeeding best practices. To learn more, visit Healthy Child Care Colorado's website.

National News

New Dietary Guidelines for Americans 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services just launched the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. The guidelines provide science-based recommendations designed to foster healthy dietary patterns for Americans of all ages and for the first time include recommended healthy dietary patterns for infants and toddlers. 

The four, overarching guidelines encourage Americans to "Make Every Bite Count" by:
  • Following a healthy dietary pattern at every stage.
  • Customizing and enjoying nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations.
  • Focusing on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages from five food groups - vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy and fortified soy alternatives, and proteins - staying within calorie limits.
  • Limiting foods and beverages higher in added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, and limiting alcoholic beverages. 
Use USDA's MyPlate materials to help individuals, families, and communities make healthy food choices. 
Dr. Yum Project

The Dr. Yum Project is a pediatrician-founded and pediatrician-led nonprofit on a mission to help families overcome barriers to eating well. 

Share Dr. Yum’s Meal-o-Matic - a free e-tool that allows families to make a custom recipe out of what they have in the fridge or pantry.

Don’t miss the free webinar for babies getting ready to start solid foods and check out the Picky Eater Toolkit — full of recipes, videos, and more — to help create more adventurous eaters.

Visit DoctorYum.org for even more free resources.

Partner Updates

ECE Resource Roundup

Looking for resources to support safe and high-quality environments for the children and families you serve? Check out Healthy Child Care Colorado's ECE Resource Roundup.
 

By joining, you will be able to post and access:

  • Available positions on the statewide job board.
  • Resources to support your program.
  • Scheduled trainings on the training calendar.

StoryWalk® to Promote Physical Activity and Literacy

Promoting literacy, physical activity, and interactive family time? Storywalk® offers it all!

Created as a self-directed learning opportunity, StoryWalk® is a fun and educational library program that displays a children's book along a popular walking route in the community. It serves as a unique way to keep people of all ages moving. 

Many communities across Colorado implement StoryWalk®. Some libraries use them to offset the impacts of COVID-19 by encouraging parents, teachers, and caregivers to take children outdoors and engage in physical activity and reading together. This program is not limited to libraries - any organization can do it. 

To learn more about how to bring StoryWalk® to your community, visit www.kellogghubbard.org/storywalk

In This Issue:

ECOP Resources
National News
Partner Updates

Observances: 

February: American Heart Month

March: National Nutrition Month.

Events:

Healthy Smiles Summit
February 6
Register
here.

Public Health and Parks and Rec Summit
February 26
Register
here.

Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference
March 25-27
Register
here.

Resources:

One Stop ECOP Shop
View Materials
Order Materials

Contact:
Emily Bash
Facebook
Pinterest
The Prevention Services Division improves the health, well-being and equity of all Coloradans through health promotion, prevention and access to health care.
Copyright © 2021 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment / Prevention Services Division, All rights reserved.


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