Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health Programs for Young Children in Child Care Centers

Team Mentor:

Dr. Katherine Cason, Professor
Dept. of Food Science and Human Nutrition
State EFNEP Coordinator

This country is in the midst of a twin epidemic of childhood obesity and adolescent type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that childhood obesity tracks with fidelity into adulthood. As is the case with adults, many of the interventions aimed at preventing obesity in children have not been particularly successful.  School and childcare systems are ideal places to develop and evaluate innovative interventions designed to prevent childhood obesity. However, the outcomes of numerous studies of school-based interventions are inconclusive in determining which aspects of the design and components of an intervention are most effective for reducing obesity and promoting physical activity and healthy eating.

Objectives:

• Implement a needs assessment that includes interviews and surveys to determine needs of the target population
• Plan, implement, and evaluate an educational intervention to aid in the prevention of obesity