Communities Putting Prevention to Work: Results of an Obesity Prevention Initiative in Child Care Facilities

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Communities Putting Prevention to Work: Results of an Obesity Prevention Initiative in Child Care Facilities
Language: English
Authors: Natale, Ruby, Camejo, Stephanie, Sanders, Lee M.
Source: Journal of Research in Childhood Education. 2016 30(3):306-319.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2016
Sponsoring Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DHHS/PHS)
Contract Number: 1U58DP00240601
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Preschool Education
Descriptors: Early Childhood Education, Preschool Children, Prevention, Obesity, Child Care Centers, Intervention, Educational Policy, Preschool Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Attitude Change, Program Effectiveness, Life Style, Educational Practices, Outdoor Education, Physical Activities, Physical Activity Level, Food, Child Health, Health Behavior, Health Activities, Statistical Analysis, Nutrition
Geographic Terms: Florida (Miami)
DOI: 10.1080/02568543.2016.1178672
ISSN: 0256-8543
Abstract: Obesity is a significant public health issue affecting even our youngest children. Given that a significant amount of young children are enrolled in child care, the goal of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a child care facility-based obesity prevention program. Over 1,000 facilities participated in the study. The intervention consisted of teacher trainings and technical assistance focused around the implementation of four policies: snack, beverage, physical activity, and screen time. Changes in teacher's attitudes and beliefs, as well as improvements in healthy lifestyle practices, were assessed. Results revealed significant improvements in child care center practices, such as: (1) the amount of health-related lessons provided to students increased t(664) = -6.09, P < 0.00; (2) the amount of outdoor physical activity increased t(702) = -3.83, P < 0.000; (3) the amount of screen time decreased t(686) = -2.52, P < 0.01; (4) the amount of juice served decreased t(577) = -7.38, P < 0.000; and (5) the amount of junk food decreased t(568) = -2.73, P < 0.006. The findings from this study can be easily disseminated and potentially serve as a model for improving the quality of nutrition and physical activity practices in child care facilities.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 40
Entry Date: 2016
Accession Number: EJ1105044
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Obesity is a significant public health issue affecting even our youngest children. Given that a significant amount of young children are enrolled in child care, the goal of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a child care facility-based obesity prevention program. Over 1,000 facilities participated in the study. The intervention consisted of teacher trainings and technical assistance focused around the implementation of four policies: snack, beverage, physical activity, and screen time. Changes in teacher's attitudes and beliefs, as well as improvements in healthy lifestyle practices, were assessed. Results revealed significant improvements in child care center practices, such as: (1) the amount of health-related lessons provided to students increased t(664) = -6.09, P < 0.00; (2) the amount of outdoor physical activity increased t(702) = -3.83, P < 0.000; (3) the amount of screen time decreased t(686) = -2.52, P < 0.01; (4) the amount of juice served decreased t(577) = -7.38, P < 0.000; and (5) the amount of junk food decreased t(568) = -2.73, P < 0.006. The findings from this study can be easily disseminated and potentially serve as a model for improving the quality of nutrition and physical activity practices in child care facilities.
ISSN:0256-8543
DOI:10.1080/02568543.2016.1178672