Early childhood education candidates' perspectives of their importance and responsibility for promoting physical activity and minimizing screen-viewing opportunities in childcare. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bruijns, Brianne A.; Adamo, Kristi B.; Burke, Shauna M.; Carson, Valerie; Irwin, Jennifer D.; Naylor, Patti-Jean; Timmons, Brian W.; Vanderloo, Leigh M.; Tucker, Patricia
• Is Part Of: Journal of early childhood teacher education. Volume 43:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Early childhood teachers -- Education -- Periodicals; 370.711
• DOI: 10.1080/10901027.2020.1818651
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-1027

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Educators strongly influence young children's behaviors, and their perspectives regarding physical activity (PA) and screen-viewing (SV) may influence their provision in childcare. This study gathered early childhood education (ECE) candidates' perspectives regarding: 1. the importance of their role(s) in promoting PA/reducing SV; 2. how their ECE program and personal PA may influence these perspectives; and, 3. their interest in PA/SV training. An online survey was completed by 1, 292 ECE candidates from 61 programs. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests explored these perspectives by PA/SV courses taken and by meeting the Canadian adult PA guideline. ECE candidates with PA-related training reported higher perceived importance ( n = 2 items; p <.05*) and personal responsibility ( n = 4 items; p <.05) for items related to teaching PA, compared to those without training. SV training was not reported to influence their perspectives. Candidates who reported meeting the PA guideline reported higher importance ( n = 3 items; p <.05) and personal responsibility ( n = 3 items; p <.05) for items related to promoting PA, than those not meeting the guidelines. Most candidates (77.5%-93.3%) showed interest in further PA/SV training. Findings underscore the benefit of PA-related training, and personal PA habits, with regard to positively influencing ECE candidates' values and perceptions of their role in promoting PA in childcare.