Discovering Perspectives on Health and Well-Being from Parents and Teachers of Preschool- Aged Children

Background: This study explores the concept of health and well-being as perceived by teachers and parents of preschool-aged children in the specific context of a child day care facility. The study also identifies the barriers parents and teachers encounter and the supports they require in promoting the health and well-being of preschool-aged children. Method: A qualitative phenomenological research design combined with a projective technique of Photovoice was used for data collection. A total of eight participants, four teachers and four parents of preschool-aged children from a child day care facility, participated in the study. Results: Several themes were identified related to barriers that parents and teachers face and the supports they require in promoting the health and well-being of preschool-aged children. Conclusions: This study discusses a potential role for occupational therapy practitioners in collaborating with administrators and teachers and parents of preschool-aged children to develop a program to promote the health and well-being of preschool-aged children

Promoting Health and Wellness Among Preschool-Aged Children

Health and wellness are complex concepts which incorporate physical, social, and mental factors (Who.int, 2015). “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Who.int, 2015). According to the National Wellness Institute, wellness is “a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential.” It is important for children to learn about health and wellness at a young age. Preschool is a developmentally important stage, and knowledge learned in this stage may carry over throughout the lifespan. Thus, this is a crucial time period for children to become educated on health and wellness