THE INFLUENCE OF POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF PRESCHOOLS ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF CHILDREN

Abstract

Recently, the percentage of children ages 3 to 5 who are enrolled in early childhood centers has risen to 60%. PURPOSE: To determine if preschool policies and practices affect the physical activity (PA) of 3 to 5 year-old children. METHODS: A total of 265 children (139 girls and 126 boys) from 9 preschools were observed for 1 hour with 2 recordings per min. on 3 different days. The mean number of children per preschool was 28. PA was scored as 1 to 5, with 1 for stationary/motionless and 5 for fast movement. Summary PA was calculated over the 3 days as % of time observed at levels of 4 or 5 (MVPA). A structured interview about PA policies was held with an administrator at each preschool. For each policy or practice, preschools were grouped as good or poor (see Table) and differences in MVPA of the children was analyzed using mixed ANOVA controlling for school. Analyses were also conducted for MVPA when the children were in outside play areas.TableRESULTS: Children in preschools that had more trips (p < .003), and had smaller class size (p = .05) were observed to participate in more MVPA than their counterparts. However, children observed on outside playgrounds were more active in preschools that reported less time for free play (p = .04), and less time for outside play (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that policies and practices of preschools can affect the MVPA levels of preschool children. Some policies and practices may increase MVPA. However, in preschools with poorer policies children may compensate by being more active during available times. Supported by Gerber Producets Company.