Description:
Since 2007, Mathematica Policy Research has worked with First 5 LA and Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) to conduct the Universal Preschool Child Outcomes Study (UPCOS). Because of the important role that families and programs play in promoting children's physical well-being, the sixth phase of UPCOS included a descriptive look--during the fall of 2012--at children's body mass index (BMI) and household routines as well as the program practices and policies related to their physical activity and healthy nutrition. To gather information, UPCOS-6 included: (1) direct assessments of children's height and weight, (2) parent questionnaires focused on household routines, (3) observations to document the physical space and materials available in programs for engaging children in physical activity, and (4) surveys and focus groups with teachers to delve into policy and practice with regard to physical activity and nutrition. Findings based on these activities can inform LAUP's ongoing efforts to promote physical activity and healthy nutrition in its programs, and provide information to First 5 LA relevant to a central goal in its strategic plan: that children maintain healthy weight to support better health over their lives. (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Publisher(s):
Funder(s):
Country:
United States
State(s)/Territories/Tribal Nation(s):
California