BDLC Policy for Movement and Nutrition

Bloomington Developmental Learning Center is committed to supporting the growth and development of children 6 weeks to 6 years in the following developmental domains; cognition, social emotional, linguistic, fine motor and gross motor.  We believe that physical activity and gross motor play support growth in all developmental domains.

In an effort to support a healthy lifestyle, teacher will receive a minimum of three clock hours of professional development annually in both movement and nutrition.  We believe through education of teachers, we will build and maintain a community of happy and healthy families and staff.

Physical Activity/Movement

To support the gross motor development of children at BDLC, we provide multiple opportunities for active play (both structured and unstructured) for all age groups.  Gross motor/movement experiences support physical growth, cardiovascular health, and cognitive development.  The following gross motor experiences are aligned with the Indiana State Standards of the Foundations for Young Children Birth through Age Five, Indiana State Academic Standards grades K-12 (Kindergarten Physical Education and Health Standards) and NASPE (National Association for Sport and Physical Education.  Guidelines are listed by age below:

Infant

• Infants will have daily opportunity for both structured and unstructured movement several times a day
• Physical activity in the classroom will encourage skill development (i.e., neck, hand and arm muscle strength).
• Infants will have daily opportunity for; crawling, walking, scooting, sitting and tummy time.
• Caregivers, along with administration, will ensure that materials and the environments in which infants play, are clean, safe and developmentally appropriate.
• Infant will spend a limited amount of time in a saucer (15 minutes or less).

Toddler

• Toddlers will participate in a minimum of 30 minutes structured (does not need to be simultaneous) and 30 minutes unstructured gross motor activity.  Experiences may include; walking, dancing, yoga, balance activities, tumbling, yoga, punching/throwing, kicking, etc.
• Children will not remain sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time (excluding rest time).
• Indoor and outdoor gross motor equipment should be in good condition and used according to manufacturer (and licensure) guidelines.
• Neither food not movement can be used as a punishment.

Preschool

• Preschool children will participate in a minimum of 60 minutes structured (does not need to be simultaneous) and 60 minutes unstructured gross motor activity.  Experiences may include; walking, dancing, yoga, rolling, balance activities, tumbling, punching/throwing, kicking,  relay races, tag (to support a variety of academic skills), parachute, relay races, tag (to support a variety of academic or movement skills, etc.
• Children will not remain sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time.
• Indoor and outdoor gross motor equipment should be in good condition and used according to manufacturer (and licensure) guidelines.
• Neither food nor movement can be used as a punishment.

Kindergarten

• Kindergarten students participate in a minimum of 60 minutes structured and 75 minutes unstructured play daily.
• Learn and practice a variety of travelling movement activities (i.e., leaping, galloping, twisting, skipping, etc.).
• Perform balancing activities alone or with a partner
• Children move everyday for the purpose of; self expression, enjoyment, social interaction and/or expression.
• Children will have 3-5 experiences to enjoy music and movement simultaneously.
• Neither food nor movement can be used as a punishment.
• Demonstrates respect for individuals of a diverse range of abilities.