Motor competence and characteristics within the preschool environment

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Early Childhood Education
• Motor Development

Background:

• Understanding environmental influences on preschool children's motor competence is crucial for development.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the specific preschool characteristics that impact motor skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how preschool environmental characteristics contribute to children's locomotor, object control, and total gross motor scores.
• To identify specific factors within the preschool setting that may promote or hinder motor skill development.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, observational study involving 229 children aged 3-5 years across 22 South Carolina preschools.
• Utilized the Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Study (CHAMPS) Motor Skills Protocol for motor skill assessment.
• Collected data on classroom policies, playground/classroom measurements, preschool quality (ECERS-R), electronic media use, and time in open spaces.

Main Results:

• Classroom size/child ratio, teacher education, playground size, electronic media use, and external trips predicted locomotor and total gross motor scores.
• The model predicting object control scores was not statistically significant.
• Environmental factors significantly influenced gross motor skill development, particularly locomotor skills.

Conclusions:

• Preschools can enhance motor competence by increasing time in open spaces and structured activities.
• Expanding outdoor playground space is a recommended strategy to promote children's motor development.
• Targeted environmental modifications in preschools can support gross motor skill acquisition.