Concussions are a serious concern for children’s growing brains, and the risk is not just from playing football or soccer. Illinois PTA has published information on what parents need to know about concussions in the past. A new free online course from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is designed to help parents, coaches, and teachers be prepared to keep kids safe, healthy, and active.

HEADS UP to Youth Sports helps participants learn to:

  • Understand a concussion and the potential consequences of this injury
  • Recognize concussion signs and symptoms and how to respond
  • Learn about steps for returning to activity (play and school) after a concussion
  • Focus on prevention and preparedness to help keep athletes safe season-to-season

Once you complete the online course and quiz, you can print out a certificate, making it easy to show your school or league that you are ready to create a safe environment for kids and ensuring that they don’t return to play too soon.