The Impact of a Workplace Wellness Program on Provider Health in Early Childhood Education Settings

Abstract

Background: Early childhood education (ECE) working environments often contribute to poor health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe healthy eating–related and physical activity–related awareness and adoption of behavior change of ECE providers after participating in a workplace wellness (WW) program and to explore facilitators and barriers to ECE provider participation in WW program. Methods: The WW program offered healthy eating and physical activity challenges to promote ECE provider health and well-being. Approximately 1,000 ECE providers in Colorado from 35 ECE settings were invited to participate. After the intervention, ECE providers completed two surveys: (a) a provider postsurvey and (b) a WW challenge survey. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to examine factors associated with percent agreement that participation in the WW program increased awareness and adoption of health behaviors. Findings: A total of 250 (25%) ECE providers participated in WW program from 2015 to 2017. After participation, approximately 84% of respondents agreed they were more aware of the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and of being physically active, while 81% reported eating more fruits and vegetables, and 80% reported being more physically active in the workplace. Logistic regression models found that the length of time teaching in ECE settings was positively and significantly associated (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.00, 1.21]) with the odds of providers agreeing that participation in the WW program increased their awareness of health behaviors. Conclusion/Application to Practice: The design and implementation of WW programs that emphasize facilitators, such as intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, as well as reduce barriers, such as time constraints and unachievable goal setting, may increase the awareness and adoptions of healthy eating–related and physical activity–related behaviors among ECE work settings.

Healthy lifestyle interventions across diverse workplaces: a summary of the current evidence

“…Successful strategies for increasing engagement were awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles, having wellness 'champions' or peers who assist with program promotion and implementation (8), and workplace challenges [8].…”

Changes in demands and resources faced by the early childhood education workforce due to COVID-19

“…All ECE staff employed at Head Start-funded ECE centers that had established previous partnerships with the Culture of Wellness in Preschools (COWP) program ( https://cowpprogram.com ) were eligible to participate. Researchers at a large public university in the United States developed the COWP program in 2012 ( Farewell et al., 2020 ; Melnick et al, 2020 ; Powers et al, 2020 ). The goal of the multi-level, multi-component intervention is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity of preschool-aged children and their families.…”

Application of an Implementation Framework Using Mixed Methods in Preschool Settings

“…An example of a school-based D&I evaluation for an intervention implemented specifically in ECE settings is the Culture of Wellness in Preschools (COWP) program (Farewell et al, 2018; Melnick et al, 2020; Powers et al, 2020). COWP is an early childhood obesity prevention program that has five program components: classroom-based nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity education, staff health promotion, a parent wellness workshop series, and a strategic planning process (COWP PSE Change Process) which is utilized to implement health-promoting PSE changes.…”