Grant: Project Grant

Regular physical activity and minimal sedentary behaviour, such as television viewing, during the early years (<5 years), is critical for healthy growth and development, reducing obesity, and preventing chronic diseases. However, only 15% of young Canadian children are meeting both the physical activity and sedentary behaviour national guidelines. Government legislation in childcare centres can positively influence physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and promote health in a large proportion of children. The Alberta government has recently a introduced new standard in accredited childcare settings to promote regular physical activity and minimal sedentary behaviour. This study will build on and extend our pilot work. The overall objective is to better understand the immediate physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and health benefits of the new Alberta Child Care Accreditation Program Quality Standards. These standards are being phased in over the next 3 years. A total of 240 children aged 19-60 months from 8 child care centres implementing the new standard and 8 control child care centres in Edmonton and Calgary will be examined. Children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour will be objectively measured with motion sensors for 5 consecutive days at baseline and 6 month follow-up after the new accreditation standard has been implemented. At both time points, children's weights and heights and the physical activity and sedentary behaviour childcare environment will be objectively measured. Additional measures will be obtained via brief parent/guardian and child care director/educator questionnaires. The findings of the proposed research will inform future services, training, and additional resources that will continue to support policy and practice regarding regular physical activity and minimal sedentary behaviour in childcare settings. Alberta will serve as a model where study findings can inform policy and practice changes across Canada.