The mission of the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) is to promote healthful lifestyles through quality physical and health education for all populations; and provide leadership to school, community and statewide programs in the areas of health, physical education, recreation, dance and other movement-related programs. CAHPERD is an educational organization which will achieve its mission by supporting, encouraging, and providing assistance to members statewide, as they initiate, develop, conduct and promote programs of health, physical education, recreation, dance and other movement-related programs.

CAHPERD is a nonprofit, 501C3 organization supporting quality physical education, activity, health and wellness education, as a means to address the health crises associated with childhood obesity and general inactivity.  CAHPERD volunteers are professionals that motivate students/community members to move: physical education teachers, coaches, after-school program coordinators, dance educators, etc.  Working to support and save Athletics and Dance in our schools and communities (as they are now being cut dramatically), CAHPERD provides direct student education programs (such as the annual "Jump Rope & Hoops for Heart" program, and "Southwest Dance & Acro-Sports Workshops"), scholarships, and teacher professional development programs (including CAHPERD�s world-renowned, annual professional development Conference, and Physical Activity Based Standards Workshops). CAHPERD advocates that creating better teachers results exponentially in healthier children.  At a time when childhood obesity rates are over 30% of our students/children, now more than ever we need to provide safe, fun, and educational opportunities for students to be active and play. CAHPERD believes that educating the whole child (body, mind and soul) is the best way to instigate life long health and wellness habits. To learn more or support CAHPERD, please check: www.cahperd.org.