Previous Initiatives
The Earlier, the Better Initiative
The Earlier, the Better is an initiative funded by the Claude Worthington-Benedum Foundation that utilizes the Spectrum of Opportunity to create policy, system, and environmental (PSE) changes. The Steering Committee identified key areas, which were later broken down into separate work groups: Recognition and Incentives, Intervention, Central Kitchens (Watch How), and Professional Development (STARS & Business and Leadership). Additionally, the Child Care Policy work group was formed in response to federal COVID-19 relief funding packages.
Peer Learning Network
KEYS communicates and collaborates with child care providers in WV through its Peer Learning Network (PLN), a living laboratory of learning opportunities for directors and staff. Child care providers become part of the PLN by graduating from the KEY 2 a Healthy Start Program and completing a NAP SACC assessment. KEY 2 a Healthy Start is a quality improvement project in Early Care and Education (ECE) that consists of developing a collaborative network, workshop training using evidenced-based obesity prevention tools, and support to improve nutrition and physical activity opportunities for young children.
Farm 2 Early Care & Education
Farm 2 Early Care and Education (ECE) aims to help children learn all about food. It offers increased access to healthy, locally grown food, garden-based education, and food-based education activities that foster healthy habits early. KEYS connects child care providers to local farmers through our Kids Pop-Up Farmers Market program, where kids receive vouchers to purchase fresh produce and providers can purchase produce at discounted prices to cook and serve at their centers. KEYS also offers at least two garden training opportunities for child care annually: Staff learns about how to garden, how to incorporate garden curriculum, and then our garden coordinator visits each site to offer one-to-one support.
Natural Learning Environments
Outdoor play is essential for healthy child development. Incorporating natural elements both inside and outside offers a number of benefits. Nature creates opportunities for ideal sensory experiences, fine and gross motor development, emotional regulation, and so much more. KEYS has worked with child care providers in our PLN to create natural learning environments (NLEs) on site, whether it’s an urban or rural setting. We use natural materials, like wood, for play equipment and incorporate naturally occurring elements, like using a hillside to add a slide. Small pieces, like pinecones, wood discs, gravel, etc. are also great for NLEs, and they encourage imaginative play.
Healthy Celebrations
Celebrations are about more than cake, and our kids are sweet enough without the added sugar. Give the kids more outdoor play time. Try giving out cute erasers and pencils instead of candy as prizes. You can make a celebration memorable with healthy snacks and fun games. Check out our Healthy Celebration Highlights on IG for ideas for every occasion.
Steps 4 Stronger Families
This family based weight management program features nutrition and physical activity sessions for patients who are referred by their primary care provider. During this 8 week long program, the patient is seen by their provider once a month to have their nutritional status assessed using the 5210 healthy habit questionnaire and a 5210 Rx is given with a goal made to increase healthy behaviors.
School Gardens and Outdoor Initiatives
Youth gardens and outdoor classrooms combined several subjects. This initiative got children outside take a new and highly effective approach to learning. This new way of learning incorporates several subjects and encourages hands-on involvement from children. Children are able to plant and grow different types of plants including fruits and vegetables. As the plants grow, children can observe the various changes that take place such as color and height or the growth rate of the plants. In the case of fruits and vegetables, children are more likely to eat what they grew so it is a very beneficial method to encourage learning about healthy eating.
Kidz Bite Back
Kidz Bite Back is a generation of youth are “biting back” against Big Fat Industries and Couch Potato Companies. These KidZ lead a campaign to expose how Big Fat Industries and Couch Potato Companies take advantage of youth by promoting over-consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks, as well as encouraging over-use of TV watch and video gaming. They are spreading the word to their peers, families, neighbors, and even elected officials! Click here to visit the Kidz Bite Back website to get involved.
Fed Up
In 2014, KEYS and the WV Department of Education Office of Child Nutrition (OCN) sponsored the Fed Up documentary screening at Marquee Theaters in South Charleston, WV. The documentary followed children suffering from childhood obesity and showed daily obstacles that they face. Food policy and politics with a focus on the sugar industry were dramatically highlighted. In late 2015, Project Healthy Kids and KEYS 4 HealthyKids partnered to purchase a student version of the Fed Up documentary for every school in WV through a Fed Up Kickstarter campaign. To date, 333 films with curriculum that meets WV Content Standards have been delivered to schools all over WV. The students reacted to the film with strong emotions ranging from sadness to anger. But there was no doubt that they were ready to take positive action and create healthier school environments. Following, the WV FED UP movement began.
