Assessing regulation changes in Chicago childcare facilities to prevent childhood obesity

In Chicago in 2008, 22% of children entered Kindergarten at or above the 95th percentile for BMI. Intervening in childcare settings can improve food and physical activity (PA) options for young children. The City of Chicago approved new standards in November 2009 to improve nutrition and PA in licensed childcare centers. This study aimed to assess the impact of the new standards and a brief education session related to the new standards on center practices. The study also aimed to identify factors that facilitated or inhibited compliance with the new standards, and provide guidance to policy makers and regulatory agencies. Eighteen licensed, mid-sized childcare centers (11 intervention, 7 comparison) were recruited from low-income, racial/ethnic minority Chicago neighborhoods. Centers already meeting the standards were excluded. Data collection at baseline and 3-month follow-up included interviews, observations, and accelerometry. Interviews explored information about the center, practices related to food and PA, and factors that constrained or facilitated healthy nutrition and PA practices. Observation assessed the PA environment, food served, teacher behavior, and time allocated for PA. Children wore accelerometers from 9 a.m. to pick-up. Intervention center staff received a one-hour education session on the new standards and best practices for nutrition and PA in childcare. A mid-point interview solicited feedback on the intervention. Relationships among factors at base-line and follow-up and comparisons across time points will be presented. Implications for childcare environments, policy making related to obesity prevention in childcare, and interventions to ensure the effectiveness of policy change will be discussed.