Obesity training proposed for child care workers

CARSON CITY (AP) - Nevada's licensed child care providers could soon be required to take annual training about childhood obesity.

Members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday approved SB27, a bill that requires training each year in nutrition and fitness. Curriculum is free online.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Valerie Wiener, D-Las Vegas, said the goal is to combat an obesity epidemic. The bill now goes to Senate floor.

Supporters said 36 percent of children entering kindergarten in Nevada are overweight. As more mothers work outside the home, child care providers play a larger role in a child's health and development.

Obesity topics would be part of the 15 hours of training required annually to maintain a license. Other topics include first aid and reporting child abuse.