Physical activity policy for Australian early childhood education and care: Results from a Delphi study
Oral Presentation A8.2
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.405Keywords:
Physical Activity, Policy, Pre-Schoolers, Early Childhood, ChildcareAbstract
Background: There is a lack of evidence-based physical activity (PA) policy for early childhood education and care (ECEC). Purpose: To develop a PA policy in consultation with ECEC providers and stakeholders. The policy included ECEC specific PA recommendations clarifying the Australian National Quality Standards for ECEC. Methods: The Delphi process was used to refine content and coverage of the policy, identify and overcome challenges with the proposed implementation procedures and confirm best-practice dissemination and evaluation. A national expert panel from ECEC, pre-school education, PA-related research and PA-related policy review and development were invited to participate. Items were retained if they had >70% consensus from participants. Results: Key statements and recommendations for physical activity and sedentary time at ECEC were reported as acceptable as were implementation strategies targeting management/supervisors/educators, the physical environment and families. Ten strategies were identified as easy to implement and likely to have a strong level of influence (e.g., foster awareness and understanding of the policy; program a range of learning experiences encouraging active play; embed the importance of active play in everyday experiences; break up prolonged periods of sedentary behaviours; provide many daily opportunities for outdoor play time; make the policy available to all staff, families and visitors). Best practice policy dissemination and evaluation were also confirmed. Conclusions: These findings along with results from educator focus groups will be used to support the successful dissemination, implementation and evaluation of this PA policy in ECEC’s across Australia. Funding: Australian Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Project.
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Copyright (c) 2021 Hayley Christian, Michael Rosenberg, Donna Cross, Jasper Schipperijn, Trevor Shilton, Stewart Trost, Elizabeth Wenden, Phoebe George
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