Be A Fit Kid is an individualized and non-competitive physical activity and nutrition education program for elementary school children. The program was created by Jennifer Slawta, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Health and Physical Education Department at Southern Oregon University.  

Be A Fit Kid was first piloted as an after-school program between 2002 and 2004 and integrated into the fourth grade curriculum in Ashland elementary schools during 2006. Based on the success of the after-school pilot program and fourth grade intervention, a sequential grades 1-5 Be A Fit Kid program was created and is currently being introduced and institutionalized into elementary schools with the following objectives:

·        Implement a sustainable physical activity and nutrition education program in Oregon elementary schools that meet the goals outlined in each school district’s Wellness Policy.

·        Train teachers and staff in program implementation.

·        Encourage schools to incorporate more heart-healthy foods into cafeteria offerings and school activities.

·        Involve parents through bi-monthly parent education meetings.

Each participating school is provided with inservice days for teachers and staff, nutrition and physical activity workbooks for children and parents, program monitoring and evaluation, and materials related to the nutrition and physical activity intervention.

In partnership with Southern Oregon University, Be A Fit Kid is offered through the nonprofit organization, Healthy Kids Now, and is a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s ‘We Can’ community site.