FP2 Predictors of CNP Nutrition-Related Engagement with Families

Abstract

Objective This study examined the CNP characteristics that predict their engagement with families. Description Child nutrition professional's (CNP) role in early childcare includes working in partnership with providers and parents to ensure healthy diets for children. Engaging with families and children to educate and support healthy choices is a critical activity to meet this goal. However, many CNPs do not actively engage parents. A diverse, convenience sample of CNP staff (N = 391) were surveyed prior to a training required to receive CACFP funds as part of the Team Nutrition project. Most participants were administrators (61%) or cooks (27%, 12% other). Evaluation Hierarchical multiple regression examined predictors of engagement with families. Assessment of Engagement (outcome) was assessed with seven items indicating the frequency (0 to 5 scale) parents were engaged on nutrition topics (e.g., “How often...Talk with families about the child's eating at school?”, α = .85). Classroom education (predictor) included seven items on 1 to 5 scale (e.g., “Have children describe the foods they are eating?”, α = .83) Nutrition self-efficacy (predictor) included five items on a 0 to 3 scale (e.g., “How confident…you can teach parents about healthy eating?”, α =.86). Knowledge of best practices was assessed with nine items on a 0 to 3 scale with higher scores reflecting more accurate knowledge (e.g., “The way I talk about food can influence what children eat.”, α =.81). Conclusions and Implications In step 1, among three demographic variables (education, experience, and age), education was a significant predictor (β = .20, P Grant Year 2016