Little Learners welcomes second University of Western Australia PLAYCE Study research opportunity

Exciting news – The University of Western Australia has approached us again and asked to participate in an additional follow up study about the physical activity and health of young Western Australian children.

The second study will have a particular focus on the children who were enrolled in our Kindergarten and are now enrolled in our Nature Kindergarten. With an emphasis on the level of physical activity before and after the launch of our Nature Kindergarten.

The University of Western Australia’s School of Population Health in collaboration with the Telethon Kids Institute and the Australian Childcare Alliance (WA) is conducting the research.

Physical activity has many health benefits for young children including developing healthier bones, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving cognitive and social development.

The PLAYCE Study will be the first large-scale study in WA to assess the physical activity levels of children while attending childcare and at home. PLAYCE will assess the environmental influences on children’s physical activity, such as availability of outdoor running space and play equipment and physical activity and sun-exposure related policies and practices. The research team is working with the Western Australian early education and care sector to ensure the study findings help childcare centres to better promote children’s physical activity, health and development.

Participating families will be provided with an individual report and a ‘thank you’ gift for their child. The PLAYCE Study team is working closely with us to ensure that participation is a positive and exciting experience for all children involved. Further information about the PLAYCE study is attached.

Childcare is an important place for physical activity promotion as many young Australian children aged 2-6 years attend a childcare centre. In WA, more than nine out of ten children attending childcare spend 10-14 hours a week there. Past research has shown that the childcare centre attended can affect how much physical activity pre-schoolers do.

The second study will take place in December and Parents that have expressed an interest in the study via our weekly update will be sent a parental consent form, which needs to be signed and returned by Friday 24^th November.