304794
Implementation of Active Early: A Wisconsin guide for improving childhood physical activity
Methods: Twenty pilot intervention sites representing different types of licensed child care settings were recruited to implement Active Early. Toolkits provided specific guidance around programs, policies, and practices as they relate to PA. Pilot sites received provider training and technical assistance on low and no-cost strategies to increase PA, for a total of 50 hours of on-site and off-site training over 12 months. Training was also provided for parents and key decision makers.
Results: Teacher-led PA significantly increased from 30.9 minutes/day at baseline to 82.3 minutes/day at 12 months. Sedentary time decreased 4.4% and moderate to vigorous PA increased 2.9% over 12 months. Fifty-two highly qualified trainers are approved to deliver evidence-based PA training for ECEs. Additionally, PA was integrated into the Quality Rating Improvement System for ECEs (YoungStar). To date, 1,402 of 6,000 providers have achieved the PA point in YoungStar.
Conclusions: By providing specific guidance and training on how to implement strategies to increase PA, each pilot site made sustainable changes to their ECE environment by adopting formal standards of operation that included 60 minutes of daily PA.
Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health educationPlanning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Learning Objectives:
Describe the process for developing a physical activity toolkit for early care and education.
Identify key partners and stakeholders needed for successful implementation of physical activity programs, policies, and practices in the early care and education system.
Keyword(s): Physical Activity, Child Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I am an active member of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (WECOPI), which aims to improve nutrition and physical activity among young children and their families. WECOPI developed the Active Early toolkit and collaborated with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to identify and train the Active Early pilot intervention sites.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.