Shaping Healthy Lives (SHL) | Early Years, Inc

Shaping Healthy Lives program, toddlers playing on the floor

Advancing Wellness and Active Play in Early Childhood

Shaping Healthy Lives (SHL) serves 4- and 5-star child care programs in Durham County. This project aims to reduce childhood obesity and increase physical activity in children from birth to age 5 in early childhood education programs in Durham.

SHL’s goal is to empower early educators to give every child—regardless of family circumstances — the opportunity to succeed and enter kindergarten healthy and active. By using research-based models, SHL supports both health and education through a comprehensive, whole-child approach that promotes healthy eating and active play.

How We Partner with Providers

Early Years partners with participating child care centers and family child care homes to:

Support Families: Ease food insecurity and promote lifelong wellness by actively engaging families in the process.
Assess and Enhance: Evaluate current needs to increase physical activity, improve children’s meals, and enhance educational materials.
Implement Best Practices: Integrate proven strategies for nutrition, physical movement, and outdoor learning environments using the Go NAPSACC framework.

What the Project Provides

Regular Coaching Visits: Hands-on guidance for center directors, family child care providers and designated teachers to support the implementation of best practices in health, movement and nutrition.
Professional Development: Three opportunities for directors, providers and teachers to join virtual Professional Development Learning Collaboratives focused on health and wellness topics.

Submit SHL Interest Form

Did You Know?

Children enrolled in child care may consume between 50% and 100% of their Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) while in care. Child care programs have a chance to provide the foundation for a healthy life, in terms of food consumption and levels of activity.

Parents often look to their child’s teachers for guidance and support. Both teachers and parents benefit from a shared understanding of nutrition, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices that support a child’s development.