Leveraging community-based partnerships to increase physical activity and nutrition in early childcare centers

INTRODUCTION: One in four children under the age of five are currently overweight/obese. Preschool-aged children who are overweight are five times more likely to be overweight during adolescence. As a response to the childhood obesity epidemic, the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, in collaboration with childcare improvement agencies (Family Central, and the ELC), a community organization focused on improving opportunities for physical activity in children and families (FLIPANY), and community-based consultants have developed a childcare facility-based intervention targeting nutrition and physical activity. METHODS: In an effort to establish an effective and sustainable intervention, 4 policies were developed (beverage, snack, physical activity, and screen time) consistent with Caring for Our Children standards. Program implementation consisted of technical assistance and training based on the results of a needs assessment. Intervention effectiveness was measured by Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation. RESULTS: During year one, 87 centers (caring for over 5,000 children) completed pre-needs assessments and were scored into two categories: Tier 1 (minimal improvements needed to meet standards) n=57.5%; and Tier 2 (significant improvements needed to reach standards) n=42.5% of centers. While post-data is currently being collected, teachers' reports reflected changes seen in childcare facilities' behaviors including: children eating healthier, doing more movement activities on the playground and engaging in sustained movement activities in the classroom. DISCUSSION: This program highlights the importance of community-based partnerships coming together to increase nutrition and physical activity in the early learning setting. This type of partnership is significant in making changes to the overall system.