The aim of this study is to describe state child-care licensing laws relating to healthy eating and active play targeting children ages 0 to 2 in early care and education settings for all U.S. states and territories. Investigators will use legal research methods to search state websites, the commercial legal databases LexisNexis® and WestlawNext®, and the publicly available website run by the National Resource Center to document child-care licensing laws and administrative regulations related to healthy feeding, type of feeding, adult interactions, restriction, and active play. The research team will assess the number and strength of regulations and assess associations between geographic region of the state and the regulations. The research team will also compare current state regulations to recommendations and standards put forth by a number of national organizations.
Evaluating State Regulation of Early Care and Education Settings to Strengthen Licensing Laws Related to Healthy Feeding and Active Play
Start Date: February 2016
ID #: 73391
Principal Investigator: Sara Benjamin Neelon, PhD, MPH, RD
Co-Principal Investigator: Natasha Frost, JD
Organization: Johns Hopkins University
Funding Round: Round 9
State: National
Age Group: Infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2)
Focus Area: Childcare & Preschool
Resource Type: Grant Summary
Keywords: Fruits and vegetables, Legal, Nutrition standards, Physical activity, Sugar-sweetened beverages
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