Interview with Jill Parks
Public Health Educator
Clinton County Department of Health’s
Eat Well Play Hard Program
Clinton County NY
 What prompted you to be an advocate and champion of children’s health?
I work for a childhood obesity program called Eat Well Play Hard which is a New York State Department of Health initiative. After conducting a community assessment in Clinton County, the findings showed the need for more non-traditional physical activity opportunities. After much research, the Eat Well Play Hard program decided to implement CATCH Kids Club (CKC) into eight of our county after-school programs. CKC fit right into the goals of Eat Well Play Hard so eight CKC programs were purchased and distributed throughout Clinton County.
When did you adopt the CATCH Program and what prompted you to do so?
CATCH Kids Club was adopted into five after-school sites during the fall of 2007 and three other sites in the spring of 2008. These sites all chose to implement CKC because they understand the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity associated with reducing the rise of obesity in children. Our unique model enabled my program to train a variety of sites within our rural county and impacted numerous school districts. I act as a resource to these sites to assure the projects run smoothly.
Describe notable changes since implementing CATCH and how you know CATCH is working.
The most significant change in all of the after-school sites was the increased activity in the children. The CATCH games are structured and non-competitive so all of the children want to participate. All o the sites have reported that the children that didn’t participate in “play time” are now engaged and excited to be active. Before CATCH, the sites didn’t have mandatory structured play and it is now incorporated into the daily routine. Many sites have also incorporated cooking and nutrition activities into their lesson plans. Sites have evaluated the snacks they were serving and have made healthier options available.
What are the keys to your success?
The successes come from having a contact at all the sites and giving support when needed. I have done site visits to see what assistance I can give them. I think one of the main successes of being able to implement the program is having the CATCH training mandatory for all of the after-school staff. The CATCH training was wonderful and our trainer Kristen was so easy to work with. She had great ideas for the staff to bring back to their sites. The training was offered twice and the Eat Well Play Hard Program sponsored that as well.
What advice can you offer for those just beginning and for those who have already implemented the CATCH Program.
CATCH Kids Club is a great addition to any after-school program. It offers quality equipment, the activity box is wonderful, and the nutrition manual is easy to use. My advice is to take the time to embrace this program. Plan different activities for each day and have a backup plan. Make it your policy to use one CATCH game each day to ensure the children are getting in their physical activity.
What was your most significant barrier and how did you overcome the challenge?
The most significant barrier has been that I am not the person in charge of these after-school programs, I act as a consultant. It is hard to know what they are doing everyday but I have contact with the directors who tell me the sites are doing just fine. I also keep in contact by distributing newsletters about proper nutrition and physical activity to the sites. This helps with parents’ awareness of the program and the at home portion of the CATCH Kids Club.
What has been the reaction from parents, administration, students and community?
The reaction from the students and teachers has been wonderful, they love the program. At my site visits it is great to see all of the children running around and having a great time with the CATCH games.
What are your plans for the future? What is your CATCH vision?
My plans for the future entail instituting site policies regarding structured activity and including CATCH Kids Clubs games at all of the after-school sites that are implementing CKC, and to make a commitment to healthy snack options. Another future plan is to find ways to train new staff at the sites in order to deal with any staff turnover.
Anything else you would like to add?
If it wasn’t for the Eat Well Play Hard Program purchasing the CKC for these after-school sites, they wouldn’t have had the chance to implement such a wonderful opportunity.
Contact us for more information on CATCH!
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