Healthy U / CATCH Program

What is CATCH?

The CATCH Program (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) brings schools, families, and communities together to teach children how to be healthy for a lifetime. CATCH is effective because healthy behaviors are reinforced through a coordinated approach-in the Classroom, in the Cafeteria, in Physical Education, at Home, and After School. CATCH is research-based and proven to work. And, most importantly, CATCH makes nutrition learning and physical activity FUN!

In the Classroom

The CATCH Go for Health Series is a K-5 classroom health education curriculum that teaches children to identify, practice, and adopt healthy eating and physical activity habits. Hands-on activities encourage changes in behavior that support healthful eating and physical activity patterns-primary risk factors of heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and obesity.

In Physical Education

CATCH PE combines high energy, non-elimination activities with teaching strategies that keep kids moving and having fun. CATCH PE significantly increases physical activity levels of students during PE class, and provides for a variety of learning experiences for students of all abilities.

In the Cafeteria

The CATCH Program considers school cafeterias an extension of the classroom. Through the Eat Smart component, breakfast and lunch become opportunities for children to learn, practice, and adopt healthy eating habits. School Food Service personnel prepare healthier meals and help coordinate healthy messages with the rest of the school.

At Home

The CATCH Family component is designed to get students, parents, and extended family members involved in practicing and adopting healthy eating and physical activity behaviors at home. By doing so, the home environment becomes an extension of the CATCH Program at school.

In the Community

Implemented in community-based programs across North America, CATCH Kids Club, has been designed for after-school and summer enrichment settings. Developed from the nationally-recognized CATCH Program, healthy messages are reinforced beyond the school day via physical activity and nutrition education sessions.

CATCH and Coordinated School Health

Coordinated School Health is a process which brings a school and community together to teach children to be healthy for a lifetime. Effective coordinated school programs reinforce positive healthy behaviors throughout the day and makes clear that good health and learning go hand in hand.

What makes CATCH a coordinated school health program?

CATCH builds an alliance of children, parents, teachers, and school staff to teach skills and behaviors associated with maintaining healthy lifestyles. CATCH coordinates four component areas, including classroom curricula, food service modifications, physical education changes, and family enforcement, targeting both children's behaviors and the schools environment.

CATCH directly addresses 4 of the 8 CDC Coordinated School Health (CSH) Model components, and indirectly supports facets of a more comprehensive program.

The above information is taken from the CATCH website. For more info, click on the link below.

http://www.catchinfo.org