The Illinois AfterSchool Network has been asked by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST), to be part of a national study on physical activity in After School, called After School Gets Moving. As part of the After School Gets Moving national study, NIOST has identified and will work with four cities throughout the country. In Illinois, Chicago is the selected city as the Illinois AfterSchool Network identified 10 programs to participate in the study.
After School Gets Moving entails a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of a physical activity training resource (video and print materials) for Out-of-School Time professionals. The purpose of the training materials is to support Out-of-School Time professionals in school-age urban After School programs with providing increased opportunities for physical activity for their children (ages 6-10). The ten programs in each city/region will participate in baseline data collection beginning in January including surveys, observations, and pedometer counts.
The ten selected programs in the Chicago land area are as follows:
Channings Childcare Academy
Chicago Youth Centers – Centro Nuestro
Chicago Youth Centers – Rebecca Crown Center
Christopher House – Greenview Site
Corazon Community Services – After School BLAST Program
Erie Neighborhood House – Charter School
Erie Neighborhood House – Erie Site
Family Matters
Just for Kids Program
North Lawndale YMCA
This project has received great federal support and an excellent video has been created. Vida Health has done a number of focus groups with local After School program staff to enhance the video content and presentation. NIOST is eager to test out the effectiveness of the tool in motivating, educating, and supporting staff and children to be more physically active in their programs.
To the right is a link of the press release sent out to media. As the project continues its journey, we will keep you updated with its progress. Again, special Thanks to NIOST for asking us to be a part of this national study on physical activity in After School!