Approximately 70% of preschool-age children in the US attend early care and education (ECE) programs for an average of 30 hours per week. Policies and practices at such centers can impact the health of the participating children. One area of concern relates to physical activity and the prevention of childhood obesity. This study examined the extent to which the policies and practices of non-Head Start ECE centers in Texas meet best practice recommendations for physical activity and screen time behaviors. The study also collected information about the centers' outdoor learning environments, as characteristics of outdoor spaces can influence physical activity.
Online survey responses from 481 licensed ECE centers in Texas served as data for this study. Excluded from the study were Head Start and state-funded pre-k programs. Home-based childcare programs were also excluded as Texas licensing standards differ for home- and center-based care. The survey used for this study -- the Early Childhood Physical Activity Survey – contained 38 questions about center characteristics, participant demographics, physical activity and screen time practices, written policies, barriers to promoting physical activity, types of physical activity equipment and resources used outdoors, and physical activity training for staff. Fourteen questions addressed physical activity and screen time practices. Three questions asked about physical activity and screen time policies. One outdoor-related question asked respondents to indicate which of “12 key indicators for outdoor learning environments” applied to their center. These key indicators were based on Best Practice Indicators for a Model Outdoor Learning Environment developed by the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI).
Most of the centers reported meeting the minimum best practice for providing at least 60 minutes of indoor and outdoor physical activity for toddlers and preschoolers. More than 80% meet best practice recommendations for screen time for infants and toddlers, but more than 50% do not meet the screen time recommendations for 3- to 5-year-olds. Many programs do not have written policies regarding screen time. Most of the centers reported providing active free play outdoors two or more times per day. Almost all the centers reported having at least one NLI indicator at their ECE center; the average was 5.7 indicators present. Only one center reported having all 12 best practices indicators. Commonly reported indicators related to (1) open, grassy areas, (2) play equipment, (3) natural, loose materials, and (4) shade structures. Less common indicators related to (1) sufficient trees and shrubs, (2) looping pathways,(3) storage, (4) at least 10 play and learning settings, (5) a designated vegetable garden, and (6) edible fruit or nut trees.
These results call attention to numerous areas for improvement in practices and policies relating to outdoor environments, physical activity, and screen time at ECE centers. In addition to enhancing outdoor environments, other recommended areas for improvement include “not using screen time as a reward, providing professional development for teachers and staff, and providing education for families on screen time.” These and other related improvements could contribute to young children's health by promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time.
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