U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced today, in recognition of the 80th celebration of National Child Health Day, the winner of a $12 million, four-year grant to prevent overweight and obesity among young children in Head Start programs nationwide.
The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) of Reston, Va., was selected following a competitive grant application process conducted by the ACF’s Office of Head Start for establishment of a National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play. The National Center is a key component of the Surgeon General’s Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative.
“The creation of the National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play demonstrates our commitment to overweight and obesity prevention programs for young children in Head Start centers around the country,” said Daniel Schneider, acting assistant secretary for children and families with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “This center and the work that it performs will have a major impact on the future health of our nation’s children.”