Chem
GENERAL ARTICLE
CHILE: An Evidence-Based Preschool
Intervention for Obesity Prevention in Head
Start
SALLY M. DAVIS, PhDa SARAH G. SANDERS, RN, MSb COURTNEY A. FITZGERALD, MSSW, LMSWc PATRICIA C. KEANE, MS, RD, LDd GLENDA F. CANACA,
MDe RENEE VOLKER-RECTOR, BAf
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major concern among American Indians and Hispanics. The Child Health Initiative for Lifelong
Eating and Exercise (CHILE) is an evidence-based intervention to prevent obesity in children enrolled in 16 Head Start (HS)
Centers in rural communities. The design and implementation of CHILE are described.
METHODS: CHILE uses a socioecological approach to improve dietary intake and increase physical activity. The intervention includes: a classroom curriculum; teacher and food service training; family engagement; grocery store participation; and health care provider support.
RESULTS: Lessons learned from CHILE include the need to consider availability of recommended foods; the necessity of multiple training sessions for teachers and food service; the need to tailor the family events to local needs; consideration of the profit needs of grocery stores; and sensitivity to the time constraints of health care providers.
CONCLUSIONS: HS can play an important role in preventing obesity in children. CHILE is an example of a feasible intervention that addresses nutrition and physical activity for preschool children that can be incorporated into HS curricula and aligns with HS national performance standards.
Keywords: child and adolescent health; chronic diseases; nutrition and diet; physical fitness and sport; preschool.
Citation: Davis SM, Sanders SG, FitzGerald CA, Keane PC, Canaca GF, Volker-Rector R. CHILE: an evidence-based preschool intervention for obesity prevention in Head Start. J Sch Health. 2013; 83: 223-229.
Received on May 4, 2012
Accepted on September 1, 2012
O
besity is a serious public health concern for individuals of all ages, including
CHILE: An Evidence-Based Preschool
Intervention for Obesity Prevention in Head
Start
SALLY M. DAVIS, PhDa SARAH G. SANDERS, RN, MSb COURTNEY A. FITZGERALD, MSSW, LMSWc PATRICIA C. KEANE, MS, RD, LDd GLENDA F. CANACA,
MDe RENEE VOLKER-RECTOR, BAf
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major concern among American Indians and Hispanics. The Child Health Initiative for Lifelong
Eating and Exercise (CHILE) is an evidence-based intervention to prevent obesity in children enrolled in 16 Head Start (HS)
Centers in rural communities. The design and implementation of CHILE are described.
METHODS: CHILE uses a socioecological approach to improve dietary intake and increase physical activity. The intervention includes: a classroom curriculum; teacher and food service training; family engagement; grocery store participation; and health care provider support.
RESULTS: Lessons learned from CHILE include the need to consider availability of recommended foods; the necessity of multiple training sessions for teachers and food service; the need to tailor the family events to local needs; consideration of the profit needs of grocery stores; and sensitivity to the time constraints of health care providers.
CONCLUSIONS: HS can play an important role in preventing obesity in children. CHILE is an example of a feasible intervention that addresses nutrition and physical activity for preschool children that can be incorporated into HS curricula and aligns with HS national performance standards.
Keywords: child and adolescent health; chronic diseases; nutrition and diet; physical fitness and sport; preschool.
Citation: Davis SM, Sanders SG, FitzGerald CA, Keane PC, Canaca GF, Volker-Rector R. CHILE: an evidence-based preschool intervention for obesity prevention in Head Start. J Sch Health. 2013; 83: 223-229.
Received on May 4, 2012
Accepted on September 1, 2012
O
besity is a serious public health concern for individuals of all ages, including
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