The physical indoor environment in ECEC settings: children’s well-being and physical activity

Abstract

The physical environment in Early Childhood and Care (ECEC) settings is believed to be important for children’s play and development. In this study, the influence of the physical indoor environment in ECEC settings on children’s well-being and physical activity was explored. The data were obtained from video observations of the free play of 80 children in eight ECEC institutions. Multilevel regression analysis indicated that children’s well-being was positively associated with the use of rooms for physical activity and negatively associated with the use of high tables. Children’s physical activity was strongly positively associated with the use of rooms for physical activity and tumbling zones. Furthermore, open floor space and cubbies were positively associated with physical activity, whereas tables were negatively associated with children’s physical activity. These results indicate that physical environments supportive of physical active play are beneficial and that dominating the indoor space with tables should be avoided.