Physical Activity Programming in Family Child Care Homes: Providers' Perceptions of Practices and Barriers
Abstract
Objective
To examine family child care home (FCCH) providers' perceptions of appropriate physical activity (PA), current practices, and perceived barriers to inclusion of PA within their programs.
Design
A trained facilitator lead 4 focus group sessions of FCCH providers. Questions addressed providers' planning for PA, resources and barriers, and perceptions of children's engagement.
Setting
Family child care homes.
Participants
32 FCCH providers (100% female) caring for children 6 weeks to 5 years old in predominantly mixed-age programs.
Phenomenon of Interest
Types of and extent to which PA was offered for children and perceived barriers to PA in this setting.
Analysis
Authors coded and analyzed transcriptions based on a socioecological framework using qualitative data analysis software.
Results
Majority of providers reported running and dancing to music as the most common PA, generally in an unstructured context. Frequency varied from none to twice a day. Few providers reported planning intentionally for PA; any plans followed children's interests. Barriers to inclusion of PA included personal, programming, parent, environmental, and financial reasons. Providers requested training on PA, particularly ideas for experiences in mixed-age groups.
Conclusions and Implications
Type, frequency, consistency, and duration of PA among FCCH homes vary widely. Implications include training on PA and resources tailored to the unique characteristics of family child care homes.
1School of Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
3Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
4Community Health Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Address for correspondence: Bronwyn Fees, PhD, School of Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506; Phone: (785) 532-1476; Fax: (785) 532-5505
ABSTRACT