A Community Model to Improve Physical Activity in Children

Introdction: • The prevalence of overweight / obese children aged 2-5 in the United States is 21.2%. The National Center of Health Statistics estimates a 30% increase in the prevalence of obesity between 2001 and 2004. • The Vermont Department of Health estimates that about 30% of low income children between 2 and 5 years of age are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. • Physical activity programming at child care centers is the most important predictor of physical activity in preschool-aged children, more important than the child’s socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. • Although the National Association for Sports and Physical Education offers some guidelines, there are no clear recommendations for physical activity in childcare settings in Vermont and nationwide.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1067/thumbnail.jp

Nutrition as the Foundation for Good Health: Evaluating the Impact of Food Programs on Health

Introduction. Previous studies have demonstrated a link between food insecurity and childhood behavioral problems, particularly internal problems such as anxiety and depression. Burlington Children’s Space (BCS), a local preschool and daycare in Burlington, VT, has created a healthy and nutritious meal program for their children, many of whom cannot afford enough to eat well at home.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1194/thumbnail.jp

Assessing Burnout in Early Childhood Educators

The stress of working as an early childhood educator can manifest as increased job turnover and burnout, leading to reduced teaching efficacy. Resilience training can increase wellbeing and decrease stress. This study assessed burnout, resilience, and organizational constraints at Burlington Children’s Space (BCS), a childcare education non-profit.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1290/thumbnail.jp