Environmental Changes Following the Implementation of the Childcare PhysicaL ActivitY (PLAY) Policy
Abstract
Environmental factors such as the infrastructure and equipment in childcare centres can influence the physical activity levels of young children. This study explored if implementing the Childcare PhysicaL ActivitY (PLAY) policy resulted in unintended environmental changes that were conducive to physical activity in childcare. Childcare centres were randomized to an experimental (n = 5) or control (n = 4) condition. Three Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation Self-Report (EPAO-SR) tools were used to measure 12 best practice items in relation to the childcare environment and early childhood educators’ (ECEs) practices. Descriptive statistics and mixed-effects logistics regression models were used to explore the best practice items from pre-intervention to 6-months post-intervention. The models indicated no evidence of an association between groups and best practice items (p > .004). Additional research is warranted to explore the impact of implementing childcare policies on the environment and ECEs’ practices.