A Web-Based Risk-Reframing Intervention to Influence Early Childhood Educators' Attitudes and Supportive Behaviors...

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Early Childhood Education
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Early learning and childcare centers (ELCCs) offer vital opportunities for children's outdoor play.
• Barriers to outdoor play include safety concerns, lack of familiarity, and diverse professional perspectives.
• Addressing these barriers is crucial for enhancing early childhood education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a web-based intervention targeting early childhood educators (ECEs) and administrators.
• The intervention aims to positively influence perceptions and practices regarding children's outdoor play in ELCCs.

Main Methods:

• Intervention developed using intervention mapping, needs assessment via focus groups, and social cognitive theory.
• A two-parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate intervention efficacy.
• 324 ECEs and administrators recruited online; outcomes assessed via self-reported questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: Increased teacher tolerance of risk in children's play.
• Secondary outcome: Self-reported achievement of behavior change goals.
• Statistical analyses include mixed effects models and logistic regression.

Conclusions:

• The OutsidePlay web-based intervention offers a personalized, chapter-based approach.
• Successfully addressing barriers can significantly improve children's access to outdoor play.
• This intervention has the potential to enhance the quality of early childhood education.