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.

Key Words: physical activity, child care, obesity, overweight, prevention