Impact of an Early Childhood Educator e-Learning Course in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour on Young Children’s Movement Behaviours in Childcare: The TEACH-Preschooler Study

Abstract

Physical activity is such a pivotal aspect of children’s healthy development. However, research has shown that children in Canada are actually largely inactive and highly sedentary. The childcare environment has been identified as the ideal setting to promote physical activity in young children and develop their skills for an active life. The Training pre-service EArly CHildhood educators in physical activity, also known as the TEACH study, developed an e-Learning course in physical activity with early childhood educators (ECEs). The pilot study showed promising results with ECE’s knowledge, behavioural intentions, and self-efficacy all increasing after the e-Learning course. My USRI project aimed to investigate the impact the TEACH e-Learning course would have on children’s physical activity, fundamental movement skills, and cognitive development