A Good Start Matters: Do Supportive Childcare Centre Environments, Policies and Practices Enhance Physical Activity?

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how supportive environments, policies, and practices in licensed childcare centers in British Columbia (BC) can increase physical activity and motor skills among children aged 2.5 to 6 years. The study builds on provincial Active Play Standards and the Appetite to Play program, aiming to assess the impact of an enhanced intervention called Appetite to Play + that supports childcare providers in sustaining active play best practices. The Appetite to Play + intervention includes advanced training for childcare managers and staff through workshops and e-learning modules focused on physical literacy, fundamental movement skills, and creating supportive environments for active play and healthy eating. Childcare centers participating in the study are randomized to either receive this intervention immediately or after a 3-month waitlist period, with the control group having access to standard Appetite to Play materials. Participants, including childcare managers, staff, and children, will be involved in baseline and follow-up assessments up to 6 months post-intervention. Researchers will measure changes in active play practices at childcare centers and children's motor skill development, along with characteristics of childcare settings and providers. The study includes questionnaires, observations, and data collection at multiple time points to monitor adherence and outcomes throughout the trial.

A Good Start Matters Intervention Study