Exploring the Influence of a Preschool Nutrition Education Program on Urban Teacher Efficacy and Practices

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 4:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Early Childhood Education Programs and Practices (Table 4)

Abstract

Despite research demonstrating the importance of early childhood nutrition education, teachers often lack support for facilitating nutrition instruction, and children in low-income areas have fewer opportunities to participate in hands-on, culturally relevant nutrition education programs. This study explored how preschool teachers described the influence of the “Healthy Start” professional development on their efficacy and nutrition education practices. Fifteen focus group interviews (N=23) were conducted across Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Three themes emerged related to the influence of Healthy Start: (a) helped navigate challenges in nutrition education, (b) positive influences on nutrition knowledge and instructional practices, and (c) increased access to engaging nutrition education opportunities. Findings suggest the potential of Healthy Start to improve preschool nutrition education in underserved urban communities.

Authors

• Casey E Hanna, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Kristin L.K. Koskey, Drexel University

• Kathleen Provinzano, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Yiyun Fan, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Eleanor Churchland, MetriKs

• Toni A. May, Binghamton University - SUNY