Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child-Care (NAP SACC)
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) program is an evidence-based childcare facility intervention. NAP SACC aims to advance childcare by improving the nutritional value of food served, the amount and quality of exercise, staff-child interactions, and policies and practices related to environmental characteristics. The intervention was developed based on research conducted with stakeholder groups including childcare providers, parents, and experts in the field.
NAP SACC has developed an organizational assessment that spans 14 areas of nutrition, physical activity, and environment to identify strengths and areas for improvement for the childcare facility. Once the assessment has been completed, a health consultant works with the facility staff to set goals and develop an action plan to improve performance. Continuing education workshops, skill building activities, and training and technical assistance for staff are then carried out. The health consultant follows up with the facility to discuss progress and troubleshoot any barriers to implementation in order to reinforce sustainability.
NAP SACC has developed an organizational assessment that spans 14 areas of nutrition, physical activity, and environment to identify strengths and areas for improvement for the childcare facility. Once the assessment has been completed, a health consultant works with the facility staff to set goals and develop an action plan to improve performance. Continuing education workshops, skill building activities, and training and technical assistance for staff are then carried out. The health consultant follows up with the facility to discuss progress and troubleshoot any barriers to implementation in order to reinforce sustainability.
Goal / Mission
NAP SACC aims to improve policies, practices, and environments in childcare through better nutrition, increased exercise, and staff-child interactions.
Impact
Intervention centers are more likely to make significant changes in nutrition policies, environments, and practices. The intervention has been replicated in other states to help improve nutrition and physical activity policies and practices.
Results / Accomplishments
The NAP SACC program was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial among 30 health consultants working with 82 childcare centers. The intervention group comprised 56 randomly assigned centers, and the control group included 26 centers that did not receive the intervention.
The study found that childcare centers who completed the majority of the intervention components significantly improved their nutrition and physical activity policies and practices (p=0.06). Statistically significant increases were seen in the total childcare nutrition environment scores (p<0.01), and positive physical activity changes were also observed.
The study found that childcare centers who completed the majority of the intervention components significantly improved their nutrition and physical activity policies and practices (p=0.06). Statistically significant increases were seen in the total childcare nutrition environment scores (p<0.01), and positive physical activity changes were also observed.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Primary Contact
Topics
Health / Children's Health
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Physical Activity
Organization(s)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Source
Childhood Obesity Prevention Demonstration Project
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Children
Additional Audience
childcare professionals