Page 54 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

negatively affect children’s social and psychological development and has been linked to the premature onset of puberty.10 Children who are involved in beyond school programs are encouraged to be active, are provided with healthier food options and are less likely to become overweight.
Conclusion
Youth participating in beyond-school programs are involved in physical and educational activities that create a basis for a lifetime of healthy choices.
ACTIONS
The Illinois Association of Park Districts will make financial assistance available to our agencies for the creation of beyond school programs. IAPD will do this through our PowerPlay! grant program, which was initially funded by the office of the Illinois Attorney General. The PowerPlay! grant is currently funded from the proceeds of sales and subsequent renewals of the Park District Youth License Plate.
Not only do beyond-school programs need financial incentives, but they also require guidelines, training and technical assistance to help provide physical activities and educational materials.11 IAPD’s PowerPlay! program includes an implementation manual complete with the steps necessary to create a health-oriented beyond- school program. The Illinois Association of Park Districts will provide Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies with a template for a beyond-school program that focuses on health, fitness and nutrition for children.
10 Child Trends Data Bank. (2002). Health status and disability, Overweight children and youth. Retrieved from: http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/health/status/15OverweightChildrenYouth.htm.
11 National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, After-School Care Programs, 2000.
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