Of Kansas, Missouri & Nebraska
 
What is Stretch-n-Grow? Stretch-n-Grow is a comprehensive fitness program for kids. We are committed to helping educators and parents establish a foundation of exercise and proper nutrition at an early age, before habits gel. 
 The Stretch-n-Grow program teaches children the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle. With weekly emphasis on exercise and good food choices, our extensive curriculum covers virtually every wellness issue...self-esteem, safety, hygiene, and environmental issues are just a few examples of our discussion topics.

 Classes are taught at child care centers by Stretch-n-Grow coaches who make exercising "EXERciting!!" Since 1992, 1 million children across the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Guatemala, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain and the United Kingdom have participated in the Stretch-n-Grow Fitness Program!!   Stretch-n-Grow offers Exerciting programs for kids as young as 18 months through school-age. Each Stretch-n-Grow coach is a certified youth fitness specialist and has only one passion - to show our Stars an Exerciting time!  We believe every child deserves a great start-and that every child deserves a chance to be fit. Because children learn through the use of their imaginations and play, Stretch-n-Grow has combined the two to create classes that meet the needs of our nation's children.  Together with music and equipment, classes are energetic, entertaining and most importantly fun!! Our Mission: To teach as many children as possible the basics of proper exercise, nutrition, and related health issues. To establish patterns and a positive attitude at an early age that will be the foundation for a continuing physical conditioning program and good health.
 To prepare children for participation in physical education and athletic programs from the get-go.  Kids swim through the ocean, ride on ponies, and sneak through the forest all in the safety and confines of the classroom or gymnasium.  Program Highlights Our Coaches come directly to your child care facility as classes are taught in your classrooms. Classes include developmentally appropriate physical movements and cognitive lessons for toddlers through 5 year olds Each class incorporates the basics of exercise...warm-up, endurance, floor exercise, stretching, and cool-down... and teaches kids that exercise is fun and important for good health. Dynamic discussion on health related topics-including exercise, nutrition, self-esteem, safety and muscle recognition are emphasized during each session. And instills life-long healthy habits. Classes focus on the development of the main components of fitness and motor skill development as well as creative thinking, problem solving and social skills. Children receive weekly handouts and our monthly parents' newsletter, "It's Exerciting!" Exercise, games and activities to improve motor skill, coordination, endurance, strength and sport readiness  Low monthly cost to parents.   Discounts available for school-paid programs. Taught by certified youth fitness instructors  Why Do Our Children Need Stretch-n-Grow? 40% of twelve year old children display heart disease risk factors (i.e. obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and inactivity) (American Heart Association) According to its recent surveys, the AAP recommends that age appropriate exercise begin at the preschool level. (American Academy of Pediatrics) The number of children who are overweight has doubled among preschool aged children over the past two decades. The increase in body weight is associated more with lack of physical activity than with poor food choices. Television, video entertainment, motorized transportation, fast food, and a lack of regular exercise contribute to the poor physical condition of our society. (Office of the Surgeon General, 1996 Report on Physical Activity and Health) 85% of all five year old children in the United States cannot pass a basic physical fitness test. (Senate Committee on Children)