SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - A new study shows kids in child care are not as physically active as those who aren't.
Salt Lake Valley Head Start preschools are a hubbub of activity. An anti-obesity campaign includes not only healthy snacks and lunches; it also includes plenty of physical activity.
Kristy Miller has a four year old son at Head Start. “They go outside and play, and they do dance, and circle-time and every time I have been in the classroom they have been very active."
But according to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics that is not the case at a majority of childcare facilities. Researchers found physical activity was limited by three factors.
The study found safety improvements to playground equipment made it less challenging and interesting for children. The study also found a focus on academics was overtaking time spent in physical activity. Several study participants said parents wanted to know what their child had “learned” during the day but not if they had gotten enough physical activity. Jennifer Godfrey is the health director at Head Start. "We want to ensure there's a balance." Teachers have implemented lesson plans that incorporate physical activity, and children are also given formal playtime outside.
The study also found some childcare facilities don't have enough money for playground equipment.
Researchers say 75 percent of U.S. children are in child care, and by the time they enter school 19 percent are obese.
Godfrey says the current recommendation by the state for those who provide licensed child care is sixty minutes of structured physical activity in a day, and another 60 minutes of unstructured activity. There are no state physical activity licensing requirements at this time, so she says it's important for parents to monitor what is happening at their preschool or daycare.
