Evaluating the effectiveness of a competency‐based resource guide for preschool‐aged children entitled “Connecting the Dots…Healthy Foods, Healthy Choices, Healthy Kids!!” in rural California

Abstract

“Connecting the Dots…Healthy Choices, Healthy Foods, Healthy Kids!!” (CTD), a curriculum developed by the Center for Nutrition in Schools and the California Department of Education, was evaluated for impact on knowledge and dietary behaviors in preschool‐aged children. CTD is a competency‐based resource guide that has been previously field‐tested. Six childcare centers and homes in Butte and Shasta counties served as either control (C) or intervention (I) sites for 6 weeks. Baseline data collected included parent demographics, parent and teacher knowledge, children's knowledge and dietary behaviors using the Adapted Preschool Health and Safety Knowledge Assessment and a plate‐waste meal observation, respectively. Compared to C‐children, I‐children tended to consume more sugar snap peas (<0.2) post‐intervention. Level of parent education was positively associated with knowledge, however there were no differences in knowledge between C and I children. Preschool teachers and parents perceived an improvement in children's nutrition knowledge and health behaviors. These were noted as improved knowledge of MyPyramid and increased vegetable consumptions. Supported in part by the University of California, California State University, and Community College Collaborative Grant.