Physical activity-related and weather-related practices of child care centers from 2 states

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Child Care Research
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Childhood physical activity (PA) is significantly shaped by the child care setting.
• This study examined PA practices in child care centers in Massachusetts (MA) and Rhode Island (RI).
• Comparisons were made against established best practice recommendations, including an assessment of weather-related practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess physical activity (PA) practices in child care centers across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
• To compare these practices against recommended guidelines.
• To investigate differences in PA and weather-related practices based on state and center profit status.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to directors of child care centers in MA and RI, with a response rate of 60% and 54%, respectively (total N=254).
• Key recommendations assessed included daily outdoor play, availability of play areas, equipment variety, and indoor play provisions.
• Multivariable linear regression models were employed to analyze associations between state, profit status, PA, and weather-related practices.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was found between MA and RI in meeting PA recommendations (P = .72).
• Massachusetts centers demonstrated significantly higher scores for weather-related practices compared to Rhode Island centers (P = .004).
• For-profit centers reported lower PA scores than nonprofit centers (P = .03), but no difference was observed in weather-related practices.

Conclusions:

• Massachusetts centers were more likely to permit outdoor play during light rain or snow.
• For-profit centers tended to possess a greater quantity of both fixed and portable play equipment.
• Findings can inform targeted interventions aimed at enhancing physical activity levels in young children within child care environments.