Physical Activity and Beverages in Home- and Center-based Child Care Programs

Objective: To describe and compare obesity prevention practices related to physical activity and beverages in home- and center-based child care programs. Methods: A telephone survey of licensed home- and center-based child care programs in Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington between October and December 2008. Results: Most programs reported almost universal access to outdoor play areas and staff who frequently engage in and lead physical activities. About half of the programs reported <= 60 minutes of outdoor play time per day for preschoolers. Fewer home-based programs offered a variety of fixed and portable play equipment. Over a third of the programs did not have adequate indoor space for all physical activities. Over two thirds of programs offered juice 3 or 4 times per week or more. Conclusions and Implications: Many child care programs could increase active opportunities (by increasing outdoor time and providing better spaces for indoor physical activity) and decrease juice provision.