Psychological Science: SL:Fit Kids Applied Research

Covers the science and practice of using structured physical activity to promote better school readiness, performance, and adjustment in young children. Students will learn how to implement age-appropriate physical activity in the context of a combined service learning/research experience. Prerequisites: PSYS 1400 or EDSP 1050 or EDEC 1010; Junior Standing; Instructor Permission.

Prereqs enforced by the system: PSYS 1400 or EDSP 1050 or EDEC 1010; Instructor permission required PACE students by permission and override.

What is Fit Kids: Applied Research (PSYS 3450)? ● Fit Kids Applied Research is a service-learning course that centers around a physical activity intervention administered as part of an applied research program. This course has been developed to address priorities identified by our partner classrooms related to promoting early childhood physical activity, school readiness, and social-emotional development. What Will You Learn and Do? • You will become a trained facilitator of the Kiddie CATs on the Move physical activity program (https://www.uvm.edu/catsmove). • You will develop skills to apply evidence-based, culturally responsive strategies for supporting young children's social-emotional development while volunteering in preschool classrooms and administering the Kiddie CATs program. • You will learn about research investigating the effects of physical activity on early childhood development and connect this knowledge to your experiences in a preschool classroom. • You will learn how systems of oppression impact early childhood development and reflect on your own assumptions (e.g., attitudes, stereotypes, and beliefs) as you work with diverse children in a preschool setting.

Fit Kids Applied Research is a service-learning course that centers around a physical activity intervention administered as part of an applied research program. This course has been developed to address priorities identified by our partner classrooms related to promoting early childhood physical activity and school readiness. Students will apply evidence-based, culturally-responsive, and trauma-informed strategies for supporting preschoolers’ social-emotional development while implementing the Kiddie CATs on the Move physical activity intervention and volunteering in preschool classrooms. Additionally, we will explore how systems of oppression impact early childhood development and consider how physical activity can help to advance equity in school readiness and health. Students will attend a weekly 75-minute lecture on Wednesdays from 3:30–4:45 p.m. Additionally, they must complete six hours per week implementing the physical activity program and volunteering at local preschool sites during pre-assigned laboratory times. Attendance at a mandatory training on Saturday, September 6th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., is required.

Evaluation is based on: 1. Engagement in all aspects of the course, including training, class meetings, and service at your assigned preschool site. 2. Demonstrated ability to implement the physical activity intervention and apply evidence-based, culturally responsive strategies to support young children's social-emotional development. 3. Development of critical reflection skills and demonstration of these skills through activities such as goal development and progress tracking, critical reflection essays, and self-evaluation assignments.