Kinder scores three badges

Nar Nar Goon Kindergarten has been celebrating after being awarded its first three badges in the Victorian Health Achievement Program.

The program is designed to improve the health and wellbeing of families, educators and children in the service using a simple, evidence-based framework from the World Health Organisation to create a healthy learning environment.

Kinders Together chief executive officer Roger Chao said “the achieving of these three badges highlights what can be achieved through community partnership. Nar Nar Goon Kindergarten couldn’t have achieved this on their own, neither could Cardinia Shire Council or Monash Health for that matter.

“It was only by working closely together that we have been able to achieve this. This highlights the importance of strong community linkages and demonstrates Kinders Together’s strong ties to its local community and integration with local organisations.”

Nar Nar Goon Kindergarten was awarded badges for healthy eating, physical activity and sun protection which were identified as key priorities by the local community,” he said.

Roger said parents were pivotal in contributing to the success, providing their time, resources, support and enthusiasm. It is only because Kinders Together and its educator have such close ties to its parents that we have been able to achieve this. We are very lucky to have parents as dedicated and committed to their local communities as we have.

Early childhood educator Linda English outlined the initiatives that had been undertaken as part of this program which was followed by the children treating attendees to a performance of their tooth brushing song and leading them in vigorous song and dance designed to promote the importance of physical activity.

“The difference between this program and other health and wellbeing initiatives is that with this particular program it is not just a matter of undertaking a range of health and wellbeing programs at the service, but more importantly embedding these health and wellbeing practices into the culture and policies of the service.

“The literature shows that healthy children do indeed learn better, so instilling healthy habits in these children early on really sets them up for the rest of their life – allowing them to reach their full potential”

Before the presentation, the children spent time making a range of healthy snacks which they then proudly served to all attendees.