Child Care as an Untapped Setting for Obesity Prevention: State Child Care Licensing Regulations Related to Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Media Use for Preschool-Aged Children in the United States
2009

Child Care Regulations for Obesity Prevention

Sample size: 51 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kaphingst Karen M., Story Mary

Primary Institution: University of Minnesota

Hypothesis

How do state child care licensing regulations impact nutrition, physical activity, and media use for preschool-aged children in the United States?

Conclusion

State licensing regulations can be improved to better prevent childhood obesity in child care settings.

Supporting Evidence

  • CCCs were the most heavily regulated child care settings.
  • Only 2 states required menus to follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
  • 36 states required daily outdoor activity for children in CCCs.

Takeaway

This study looked at the rules for child care centers to see if they help kids eat healthy and be active. It found that many rules could be better to help kids stay healthy.

Methodology

The study involved downloading and analyzing state licensing regulations for child care centers, small family child care homes, and large family or group child care homes using a quantitative content analysis.

Limitations

The study could not assess compliance with state regulations and did not examine local or individual facility policies.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on preschool-aged children (typically defined as children aged 3 to 5 years) in child care settings across the 50 US states and the District of Columbia.

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