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A B S T R A C TChildhood overweight has received increased national attention as a social and health problem. Childcare providers play an increasingly prominent role in the lives of young children and are therefore important in initiating change. This qualitative study determined the role of childcare professionals in the prevention of childhood overweight. Facilitated focus group sessions were conducted with childcare professionals to ascertain their beliefs and practices in four domains: 1) foods and beverages; 2) physical activity; 3) TV, video, and computer game viewing; and 4) behaviors with respect to eating and/or activity. The researchers and childcare staff then collaboratively identified ways to develop innovative policy and environmental changes to improve the health and fitness of young children. Though more research is needed, engaging the support of the childcare profession is a promising avenue to improve the health and fitness of young children.K E Y W O R D S child day care centers, child, obesity, preschool and environmental design journal of early childhood research

Methods of asset-based community development are an effective way to engage community participation in public health initiatives.

This article investigates the impact of community-based interventions developed by the Healthy Start Partnership (HSP) to promote healthy body weights in families. Intercept surveys were conducted to monitor community exposure. A nonconcurrent, no treatment control design was used to assess population-level weight outcomes. Control (n = 219) and intervention (n = 276) cohorts of pregnant women were recruited and followed until 6 months postpartum. Data were collected through 2 self-administered questionnaires and medical record audits. Results indicate community residents were exposed to interventions. However, little evidence of positive effects of interventions on weight outcomes was found for mothers or infants.

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