A local preschool service has introduced a new program aimed at fighting rising child obesity rates. Head Start, a preschool designed for 3 and 4 year olds, has set in motion the “I’m Moving, I’m Learning” program, which has been adopted locally through the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency’s, or ATCAA’s, Early Childhood Services division which runs six Head Start programs in Tuolumne County and two in Amador County – serving more than 250 children a year. “There are so many benefits to having children moving and using their bodies as they are learning,” said Susan Bowe, health services manager for ATCAA. “Although the foothills childhood obesity rate is lower than the national average, the number of overweight children entering the program has more than doubled in the past five years and we think this program will help our children move toward better health.” The new anti-obesity program pairs physical activity with music. According the Head Start, muscle development is an essential part of a child’s early development and stresses the importance of physical activity. Head Start is accepting applications for the 2008 and 2009 school year for children 3 and 4 years of age. For more information, call 586-7178.