Developing a regional strategy to disseminate physical activity promotion in childcare centers

Abstract

Abstract Background Despite increasing efforts to promote physical activity (PA) in childcare centers, compliance with PA guidelines remains low. QueB is an intervention to promote children’s and teachers’ capabilities for PA. In QueB1 (2015-2018) a significant increase in children’s and teachers’ PA (steps/hour) in 12 childcare centers in Germany was achieved. The aim of QueB2 (2018-2021) is to establish strategies to disseminate the intervention in one region and to gain access to hard-to-reach childcare centers. Methods A regional system of multipliers is built up in a participatory process. Structured discussions with stakeholders (childcare consultants, supervisors) are conducted to find out what role they can play in accessing hard-to-reach childcare centers and what support they need for that. In addition, workshops with teachers from different childcare centers are organized to identify their needs and to create a regional peer-to-peer network. Results PA plays only a small role in the work of childcare consultants and supervisors. However, they could give a first impulse as they have regular contact to different childcare centers. Therefore, they need a simple assessment tool that helps them identify childcare centers’ need for support and some tailored information material they can share. In addition, the idea of “PA champions” was developed: Teachers from childcare centers that have already taken part in QueB will be qualified as peer-to-peer-counselors and invite other teachers for work shadowing or to join the network. Conclusions Strategies to disseminate PA promotion in childcare centers have to involve peers as well as regional multipliers. A simple assessment tool that helps identify childcare centers’ needs and an online toolbox with diverse supporting material for multipliers and childcare centers are developed. Key messages QueB2 will result in regional structures that support the PA promotion of childcare centers. The involvement of peers and multipliers is the key to meeting the needs of childcare centers.