Developing an active play resource for a range of Australian early childhood settings: Formative findings and recommendations

Abstract

Physical activity habits are established in early childhood. Increasing a child's fundamental movement skill confidence and competence may result in a trajectory of increased physical activity and a lower risk of becoming overweight. The evidence upon which the promotion of physical activity in early childhood settings is based is tenuous. This study employed formative research methods (gaining the perspective of people both within and outside the target community) to identify current physical activity practices, barriers to physical activity and methods by which effective professional development could be delivered in three early childhood setting types: family day care, long day care and kindergarten. In these settings, lack of time, finances and motivation were the key barriers to implementing physical activity programs. Recommendations for a physical activity program and associated professional development resources were developed to overcome these barriers.