P103 - The Effectiveness of Coaching and Training to Change Physical Activity Policies, Environments, and Practices in Child Care

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the MOve Smart coaching project compared to stand-alone trainings using outcome measurements of changes made in physical activity (PA) policies, environments, and practices by childcare directors and staff to meet the Missouri MOve Smart Guidelines. Target Audience: The targeted audience was childcare directors and staff. Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: The Missouri MOve Smart Guidelines for Child Care is a recognition program for childcare centers and homes designed to promote best practices in early childhood PA. PA habits developed during preschool years influence lifestyle choices and weight throughout life. Description: The MOve Smart coaching project (2014–2016) included approximately four months of individualized coaching sessions, telephone and email support, and a 2-hour training (Moving and Learning) with the goal of participating childcare directors and staff to make changes in policies, environments, and practices to meet the Missouri MOve Smart Guidelines. In 2016, an evaluation of the coaching project showed 27 childcare centers and homes made significant improvements in 10 indicators reflecting the MOve Smart Guidelines, as well as successful applications for “MOve Smart” recognition. To encourage adoption of Missouri MOve Smart Guidelines beyond the coaching project, Moving and Learning was offered as a stand-alone training for childcare providers. The effectiveness of stand-alone trainings had not been evaluated. Evaluation: An electronic survey (N = 290) was emailed to childcare directors and staff who attended Moving and Learning trainings in 10 selected counties (127 from the coaching project and 163 from stand-alone trainings). The survey included seven questions to assess changes made in PA policies, environments, and practices. Results from 33 respondents (11% response rate) showed that the participants of the coaching project made greater changes than those in the stand-alone trainings, especially concerning policies and environments. The changes reported for many PA practices were similar between the two groups. Conclusions and Implications: Coaching combined with training of childcare directors and staff promotes the greatest changes in PA policies, environments, and practices in childcare settings. Funding: USDA Team Nutrition.