FOCUS AREAS

Education

A child’s early childhood and school-age years offer the most foundational opportunities for a lifetime of good health.

For many children, especially those from families who are experiencing significant socioeconomic barriers, schools and other places of care are the places they receive these opportunities—through nutritious food, regular physical activity, and other key components of a healthy lifestyle.

Why Illinois

A longtime leader in valuing children’s education and health, Illinois was the first state in the nation to require daily physical education for all students. This is thanks in large part to the work of the Illinois Alliance to Promote Opportunities for Health (IAPOH), a multisector coalition focused on ensuring that all Illinois children can grow, learn, and thrive.

Our Work

IPHI collaborates with state, local, and community partners on policy and system changes that improve health outcomes for children across our state. We support schools, early care and education providers, and others implementing these evidence-based best practices.

Obesity Prevention in Early Care and Education Settings

IPHI’s work with the Illinois State Physical Activity and Nutrition (ISPAN) program includes a framework for high-impact obesity prevention standards. We support child care providers by working these approaches into the state systems that support their professional development, and we help connect them with online tools like Go NAPSACC to advance their work. IPHI also strongly advocates for state child care licensing standards to align with these standards.

Illinois Enhanced Physical Education Strategic Plan

In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education, IPHI supported policy changes and developed a roadmap to help communities partner with local school boards, superintendents, and principals to increase school-based physical activity.

IPHI worked with partners across the state to build capacity for physical education teachers and schools using enhanced physical education strategies and new fitness testing standards. So far, IPHI has offered training to a thousand teachers across 300 Illinois school districts.

Healthy School Meals for All

In the spring of 2023, Illinois passed the Healthy School Meals for All bill, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students who want it. Unfortunately, the state did not receive the funding to make it a reality. Through IAPOH, IPHI is advocating for the Illinois General Assembly to fund this critical program.