Physical activity and healthy eating in early childhood (0-5 years) are important for healthy child development and setting the stage for lifelong healthy behaviours. Appetite to Play is an initiative designed to support early years providers enhance knowledge, skills and confidence in creating childcare settings that support physical activity and healthy eating as well as food and physical literacy. It offers recommended practices and up-to-date resources for early years providers to use in a variety of settings including: daycare centres, family based childcare, preschool and parent participation programs.

Appetite to Play offers a variety of training resources including in-person workshops, e-learning modules, virtual workshops and online resources including a step-by-step assessment tool.

What will I learn at the workshop?

This 3-hour interactive workshop will cover healthy eating, food literacy, physical activity and physical literacy in the early years, and how important these patterns are for lifelong healthy behaviours. During this workshop planning tools, tips and ideas, recipes, games and activities will be shared and practiced. Participants will receive a booklet to help them get started and an overview of the Appetite to Play online resources. 

Who should take the Appetite to Play workshop?

This workshop is open to early years providers who are interested in learning more about physical activity and healthy eating for children 0-5 years old, and who want to increase their capacity in this field. The workshops are three (3) hours in length, and count towards professional development credits for early childhood educators.

Where are Appetite to Play workshops delivered?

Appetite to Play workshops are delivered across British Columbia. To find out if there is an upcoming workshop near you visit our Workshop Schedule page.

How do I sign up for an Appetite to Play workshop?

Find a workshop that you’d like to attend and contact the organization or individual listed under “Registration Contact”.

How do I host a workshop for my staff?

If you are interested in hosting a workshop in your community complete a Workshop Request Form and email it to our Provincial Training Coordinator at ATP@bcrpa.bc.ca. Hosts will need space for 10 to 25 participants with space for movement, plus a projector and a screen or blank wall to project the presentation.