Seeking Licensed Childcare Providers for Pennsylvania Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (PA NAPSACC) Wellness Grant Opportunity

Families entrust you with the care and well-being of their children. In a time when health practices are more critical than ever, you can make a pivotal difference in children’s lives by helping them form positive nutrition and physical activity habits while in your care.

Licensed childcare providers in Pennsylvania, serving a minimum of four children ages birth to five years. Past participants are also eligible to apply, WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO PROGRAMS that have PARTICIPATED NO MORE THAN 1 TIME SINCE 2019. Following the application period, eligible applicants will be invited to participate in an Informational Webinar on October 23rd from 12:45 to 1:45. This webinar will be recorded and shared with all eligible applicants. Starting October 27th, program enrollment will be based on the first 40 programs to complete the enrollment tasks outlined in the webinar.

This grant provides an opportunity to engage in a continuous quality improvement process focused on obesity prevention practices and policies within an early care and education setting. The program utilizes Go NAPSACC, an online, evidence-based tool, to guide self-assessment, action planning, implementation, policy development, re-self-assessment, and reflection. The process empowers program leadership and includes individualized technical assistance to increase knowledge and improve the quality of practice and policy. Programs will also be linked with a Child Care Health Consultant at no cost to the site. The CCHC will review current nutrition and physical activity practices and policies, assist with developing sustainable policies, and offer guidance for continuous quality improvement.

Beyond the reward of making a difference in children’s health, those who participate and complete grant requirements will receive up to $500 in grant funding to support staff time and/or any materials and resources needed. For STAR 3 and 4 programs, participation in all components of the PA NAPSACC Wellness Grant satisfies Keystone STARS Performance Standards LM.3.4.10 (utilizing a health care consultant to establish and maintain health policies above those required by certification) as well as bonus points area Partnerships with Families and Communities (participating in an organized effort to promote nutritional health for children).

If you are interested in participating, please complete and submit the ONLINE APPLICATION at surveymonkey.com/r/TVWVS8G. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact Cindy Wilson at Tuscarora Intermediate Unit at 717-248-4942 x 143 or cjwilson@tiu11.org.