Parkside Elementary Afterschool Program & Wellness Curriculum for 4-6th Grade

This capstone project addresses childhood obesity, the benefits of a wellness education curriculum and the need for quality afterschool programming. Quality afterschool programs should be developed to positively enhance a student's educational experience. Research demonstrates those afterschool programs that have a specific focus tend to lend better results (Davis, 2012; Kane, 2004; Vandell, 2007). The wellness curriculum addresses the root causes of childhood obesity. It will be developed with the specific objectives of getting students to thoughtfully consider the food they consume and educating them on the benefits of healthy living. The after-school program objectives were met by collaborating with the Parkside Elementary Principal, Colleen Smith, as well as the Murray School District. This allowed all necessary parties to begin the discussion about this important need. The development of the wellness curriculum was successful through extensive interviews with experts in the education and health fields. The completion of these efforts provided Parkside Elementary with an after-school program and the development of the wellness curriculum. Keywords: childhood obesity, wellness, after-school programs