DIEEC recently concluded a successful series of activities focused on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity prevention (PANO), funded by the PANO Program of the Delaware Division of Public Health. This initiative underscores a key DIEEC-wide priority: promoting the health and well-being of not only the children in early care and education settings, but also the early childhood professionals who serve them.

The PANO grant supported a deeper understanding of these topics in three ways. First, DIEEC held a series of virtual and in-person listening sessions, allowing educators to share firsthand the challenges they face in promoting healthy eating and physical activity in their programs. The in-person sessions also included opportunities for participants to engage in well-being activities like yoga, reinforcing the importance of self-care.

DIEEC also launched additional cohorts of the Physical Activity Listening Sessions (PALS) program. This professional learning experience offered ECE professionals a comprehensive training on how to integrate physical activity into their daily routines, helping children develop healthy habits from a young age.

Finally, the funding allowed for internal professional development for DIEEC staff. By strengthening their knowledge of nutrition and physical activity, the DIEEC team is now better equipped to provide informed and effective support to the entire ECE community in Delaware.

The work made possible by the PANO funding provides a vital roadmap for DIEEC’s future efforts to champion the health and wellness of Delaware’s early childhood community throughout our offerings.

Movement in action! Dr. Diana Craft, nationally renowned trainer, demonstrates movement and physical activity techniques for children to DIEEC staff, focusing on easy, low-equipment activities for classrooms and homes. (Image by Christian S. Ferrell/DIEEC)