Healthy Howard is an initiative that’s unique to Maryland and the region. We’re bringing together all facets of the community to create a public health model that can improve the health and well being of every resident. Take a look at what we’re doing and stay tuned for even more.
Healthy Habits Start Early.
The Healthy Childcare Program is a voluntary program that encourages licensed childcare and early childhood education programs in Howard County to take steps to improve the health and wellness of the children they look after. The program will also provide clear, consistent and evidence-based guidance on childhood obesity prevention to childcare providers, early childhood educators and parents in Howard County. The goals of the program are to:
- Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and highly nutritious foods
- Increase the consumption of milk, water and 100% juice
- Eliminate the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)
- Increase physical activity
- Limit the time screen time
- Promote breastfeeding during infancy
- Increase participation by eligible childcare programs in the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Increase participation by eligible families from participating childcare sites in the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program
The application period for the Healthy Childcare program is now closed and will reopen in January 2013. Please check back in December 2012 for updates and how to apply for 2013.