Self-reported and observed feeding practices of Rhode Island Head Start teachers: Knowing what not to do

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Australian Trainee Childcare Educators Regarding Their Role in the Feeding Behaviours of Young Children

“…It is not uncommon for educator child feeding practices to be reported as sub-optimal [25]. When comparing observational versus self-report studies, researchers emphasise that all child feeding practices are unlikely to occur within one mealtime, therefore several time points should be studied to accommodate variations in feeding practices across the day or week [13]. Desirable feeding practices are also more likely to be recorded in self-report studies due to social desirability bias [55].…”

“…Where centre-based healthy eating policies do exist, they focus on the types and quantities of foods/drinks allowed whilst in care, with little/no mention of child feeding practices. Providing clear guidance within centre-based policies about desirable child feeding practices provides potential opportunities for knowledge and skill sharing between childcare educators and carers [13,34]. Centre-based healthy eating policies can also ensure the alignment of other centre activities, as described by Wallace et al [52], such as healthy fundraising (restricting the selling of unhealthy foods/drinks), appropriate food-related activities (vegetable gardening rather than the baking of cupcakes) [69], and providing play equipment that prioritises planned learning experiences and role-play about healthy eating (such as a play kitchen/shop and food models).…”

“…Children are exposed to a range of environments during their childhood including the home, family, other caregivers and Early Childhood Education and Care (childcare) services, all of which play a significant role in influencing their health and development [11]. While the home and family environment are traditionally recognised as primary determinants for influencing children's eating behaviours and food preferences [12,13], societal changes and an increase in the participation of mothers in the workforce in developed countries [14,15] have resulted in childcare services sharing this role.…”

“…Studies have typically focused on mothers, considered to be the primary caregiver during the formative years. However, with more families reliant on childcare, the child-feeding relationship has become a shared responsibility between carer and childcare educator [13]. The influence of childcare educators on child feeding practices is therefore an important consideration.…”

About feeding children: factor structure and internal reliability of a survey to assess mealtime strategies and beliefs of early childhood education teachers

“…One study by Gubbels and colleagues [ 27 ] examined the factor structure and internal consistency of the parent-focused Comprehensive Feeding Practice Questionnaire, as adapted for the ECE providers. Another instrument, the Environmental Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) Self Report, includes subscales assessing educator feeding practices and has examined test-retest reliability and validity [ 28 , 29 ] including predictive value of EPAO-measured provider behaviors on children’s dietary intake. [ 30 ] These items focus on whether the teacher sits with the children, what the teacher eats in the classroom, and the teacher’s strategies to encourage healthy eating.…”