Bright Spot: Shape NC
Photo by Myles Tan on Unsplash
This bright spot was originally published in the 100 Million Healthier Lives Change Library and is brought to you through partnership with 100 Million Healthier Lives and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
Overview
Detailed Description
Shape NC: Healthy Starts for Young Children is an initiative of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. (NCPC) created to increase the number of children starting kindergarten at a healthy weight and ready to learn. The initiative helps communities and child care centers develop environments, practices, and policies that encourage young children to be healthy.
Three major statewide programs are used to support the implementation of Shape NC: Be Active Kids: An innovative, interactive health program for North Carolina children 0-5. Go NAP SACC: An online tool for early care and education programs interested in building healthy eating and physical activity habits in children (see NAP SACC intervention in IMAPP)
Natural Learning Initiative: An initiative to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children
Expected Outcomes
- Improved policies, practices, and outdoor environments in child care centers and communities
- Increase the number of children starting kindergarten at a healthy weight Improving children's early care and educational programs so that they are safe, healthy, and provide opportunities for children to learn skills they need for success in school
Key Principles
Contact your local Smart Start agency (please note: technical assistance is only available in the 27 counties in NC participating in the initiative)
Inquire about Shape NC If chosen, child care center may receive a one-time grant and assistance from regional specialists trained in core Shape NC principles
Key Lessons Learned
Please note: technical assistance is only available in the 27 counties in NC participating in the initiative. View the map of participating counties Please make sure to contact the initiative (info@smartstart.org) to ensure support is available in your area.
Cost Details
Cost may be variable depending upon type of organization and county
Key Steps for Implementation
Contact your local Smart Start agency (please note:technical assistance is only available in the 27 counties in NC participating in the initiative) to inquire about Shape NC. If chosen, child care center may receive a one-time grant and assistance from regional specialists trained in core Shape NC principles
Partnerships
Please contact Smart Start for further information
Special Funding
Shape NC was funded through a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation: Shape NC awarded BCBS Foundation Grant Grant funding may be available for chosen child care sites
Special Infrastructure
Shape NC is part of the Smart Start network
Training
Chosen childcare centers receive individual/family-sized training from Shape NC specialists
Return on Investment Details
Shape NC partners with various organizations including: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC (BCBSNC) Foundation, Smart Start, an The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc.
Outcome Measures
Shape NC specialists will help enrolled child care centers with both process and outcome measures. Example measures may include: percent of children enrolled in child care center at a healthy weight and percent of children entering kindergarten at a healthy weight.
Process Measures
Shape NC specialists will help enrolled child care centers with both process and outcome measures. Example measures may include:
- Percent increase in minutes of active play and outdoor learning time
- Percent increase in nutritional foods provided at childcare center
- Percent decrease in screen time
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