Table 3 Physical activity and healthy eating-related PSE changes implemented by ECE centers (n = 68 ECE centers)
From: Implementation of policy, system and environment changes in early childhood education settings
Physical activity-related PSE change | Type of change | % of centers | Healthy eating-related PSE change | Type of change | % of centers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A variety of portable play equipment (3 or more different types) is always freely available to students | Environment | 59.7 | Water is readily accessible in all indoor and outdoor environments | Policy | 58.1 |
Teachers lead children in at least 2 structured physical activities/day | Policy | 50.0 | Centers have a school garden and seed-to-table education is incorporated into the curriculum | Environment | 45.2 |
PA messaging is displayed in classrooms and common areas | Environment | 38.7 | HE messaging is displayed in classrooms and common areas | Environment | 27.4 |
Music and Movement activities are implemented at least once/day | System | 37.1 | Nutrition education and cooking activities are included in lesson plans at least once/month | System | 27.4 |
PA education is provided to children by using a standardized curriculum ≥ 1 time per week | Policy | 12.9 | Special occasions are celebrated with healthy food or non-food activities | Policy | 16.1 |
Screen time is not used as a reward | Policy | 8.1 | All food and beverages served at events meet the nutrition standards of the CACFP program | Policy | 12.9 |
Parents are provided with information and reminders to dress their children in clothing that permits easy and safe movement | System | 6.5 | Children participate in monthly food preparation activities | System | 8.1 |
Outdoor playtime is not withheld for poor behavior | Policy | 6.5 | Meals are served family style | Policy | 6.5 |
Short activity sessions (10–15 min) using varied movements are implemented daily | System | 6.5 | Staff encourage conversation and use enthusiastic modeling of food during meal times | System | 4.8 |
Children have 2–3 opportunities for outdoor play (60–90 min) per day | Policy | 4.8 | A variety of common and novel fruits and vegetables are included in menus | Environment | 4.8 |
PA is not used as a punishment | Policy | 1.6 | Nutrition lessons reflect children’s culture | System | 4.8 |
Screen time is limited to no more than 30 min per week and is used for education or physical activities only | Policy | 1.6 | Staff sit with children during meals and snacks and eat the same food | System | 4.8 |
Children are not sedentary for more than 60 min at a time except when sleeping | System | 1.6 | Food is not used as a reward or punishment | Policy | 1.6 |
Families are provided resources related to limiting screen time | System | 1.6 | Outside food is not allowed in the classroom | Policy | 1.6 |