A majority of American children participate in non-parental child-care arrangements in child-care centers and homes. The child-care setting can play a major role in shaping children’s dietary intake, physical activity, and energy balance. In this article, the authors discuss trends in child-care use, child-care food and physical activity policies and environments, and obesity prevention interventions in preschool settings. The authors also discuss their original research which examined state child-care licensing regulations related to food, physical activity, and media use in home- and center-based child-care settings. Recommendations for strengthening regulations and strategies for achieving more healthful food and physical activity environments are also discussed.
Age Groups: Adults and Families, Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Race/Ethnicity: African American or Black, Latino(a) or Hispanic, Multi-racial/ethnic, White
Keywords: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Child Care/Preschool, Food service, Fruits and vegetables, Head Start, Home, Media, Nutrition standards, Physical activity, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages
Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Nutrition Policy & Programs
Resource Type: Journal Article
State: National
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