Fit from an Early Age

The program "Fit from an Early Age" is aimed at daycare centers nationwide and imparts practical health competencies to children from the age of four in the areas of nutrition, exercise, relaxation, body awareness, and life skills. In playful modules, participants learn how to handle different food groups, train motor skills and body awareness, and discover various relaxation techniques ranging from children's yoga to guided imagery. Additionally, basics of anatomy and first aid are taught, and social skills such as conflict resolution, self-assertion, and empathy are promoted. Professionals from the region accompany the implementation of the individual modules on-site, thereby providing resource-saving relief to the educational team, as all content is aligned with the respective state curriculum.

Over six training sessions, educators receive intensive instruction to sustainably integrate the content into everyday daycare life. Accompanying parent evenings offer parents insights into the individual thematic focuses and practical tips for implementation at home. The two-year project is designed as a grant-funded initiative and can be applied for at any time. All daycare centers that wish to establish continuous, free health promotion are eligible for funding. The program initiators are the foundation "Die Gesundarbeiter – Zukunftsverantwortung Gesundheit" and vivida bkk. The goal is to create a playful approach to health prevention starting from kindergarten age and to strengthen children in their developmental and personal growth competencies.