Published: December 2011

ID #: 63150

Journal: J Am Diet Assoc

Authors: Falbe J, Kenney EL, Henderson KE, Schwartz MB

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This paper discusses the development and psychometric properties (range, internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and construct validity) of an instrument–the Wellness Child Care Assessment Tool–to quantitatively evaluate the comprehensiveness and strength of written nutrition and physical activity policies at preschools and child-care centers. To evaluate the instrument, psychometric analyses were conducted on 94 independent policies from Connecticut child-care centers participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Analyses demonstrated good range in subscale score, excellent inter-rater reliability, and moderate internal consistency values. The authors conclude that the instrument provides a standardized method to analyze and compare the comprehensiveness and strength of written nutrition and physical activity policies in child-care centers.

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