Adherence to Updated Childcare Nutrition Regulations in Colorado, United States

Adherence to Updated Childcare Nutrition Regulations in Colorado, United States

Blog Article

Background: Preschool years are an important time for shaping healthy eating behaviors.Childcare centers can be a venue for policy change for broad and sustained positive impact on healthy eating environment.The objectives of this study were to assess how self-reported current practices align with updated statewide childcare center licensing regulations in Colorado, Uplift Seat US, and to explore correlates of adherence.

Methods: Using a post-test only study design, a survey was sent to all full-day, licensed childcare centers in Colorado (N = 1,398) with a valid street or email address.The survey included questions on allowable food and beverages, mealtime practices, and perceptions of the updated regulations.Frequencies were calculated and logistic regression models computed for a composite score of each of these factors.

Results: Respondents (N = 344) were mostly center directors, with over 8 years of experience, from urban areas.Compliance was high for most food and beverage criteria (over 90%) and all meal practices.One third participated in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and were more likely to comply with the state meal regulations than non-CACFP centers.

Conclusion: Although our results show high self-reported compliance, a more thorough study of the policy process would provide comprehensive evidence MENOPAUSE FORMULA on effective development, enactment, and implementation of these regulations.