Multi-State Implementation of Go NAPSACC to Support Healthy Practices in the Early Care and Education Setting

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Childhood Nutrition
• Health Intervention Systems

Background:

• Childhood obesity presents a significant health risk to children in the U.S.
• Early Care and Education (ECE) systems serve 12.5 million children, offering a critical venue for health interventions.
• Evidence-based programs integrated into ECE can improve health environments and promote healthy habits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and integration of the Go NAPSACC program into state-level ECE systems across 22 states.
• To identify challenges, strategies, and lessons learned during state-wide Go NAPSACC implementation.
• To assess the reach and impact of Go NAPSACC on ECE programs and children.

Main Methods:

• The study involved implementing and integrating the Go NAPSACC program, an online adaptation of Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAPSACC).
• Implementation occurred across 22 states from May 2017 to May 2022.
• Data collection focused on training consultants, program enrollment, and the number of children impacted.

Main Results:

• Successfully trained 1,324 Go NAPSACC consultants across 22 states.
• Enrolled 7,152 ECE programs into the Go NAPSACC initiative.
• Aimed to positively impact 344,750 children through enhanced healthy practices in ECE settings.

Conclusions:

• State-wide implementation of evidence-based programs like Go NAPSACC is feasible and effective within ECE systems.
• Go NAPSACC facilitates ECE programs' ability to adopt and monitor healthy best practices.
• Integrating such initiatives increases opportunities for children to start life healthily, mitigating obesity risks.