Healthy Start: Family Childcare Providers and Parents

Launched by BROWN UNIVERSITY · May 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Healthy Start trial is focused on improving the eating habits of young children, especially those at higher risk for obesity. The study aims to support family childcare providers and parents in promoting healthier food choices for kids aged 18 to 54 months. By using a new program that includes training for childcare providers and tools like an app, videos, and printed materials, the trial hopes to create a positive impact on children's diets both in childcare settings and at home over an 8-month period.

To participate, family childcare providers need to be state-licensed and care for at least two eligible children, while parents must be the main caregivers responsible for their child's meals. Both providers and parents should be fluent in English or Spanish and committed to the study for the duration of the trial. Children involved will be those who spend at least 15 hours a week in the participating childcare. This study is unique because it combines efforts from both childcare providers and parents, aiming for a comprehensive approach to encourage healthier eating habits in young children.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Providers:
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • English and/or Spanish-speaking and reading
• • State licensed family childcare providers (FCCP)
• • FCCP that care for 18-54 month-old children,
• • Plan for FCCH to be in operation for the next year
• • Willing to be randomized to either study arm,
• • Have at least 2 eligible children in their care with at least 1 parent-child dyad consenting to participate
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Participation in the prior Healthy Start Project
• Parents:
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • English and/or Spanish-speaking and reading
• • Legal guardian of child(ren) who receive care in a participating FCCH
• • Child(ren) must be 18-54 months-old
• • Care must be for at least 15 hrs./wk
• • Plan to continue childcare with their current FCCP for the next 9 months
• • Be the caregiver mainly responsible for the child's eating at home
• • Willing to be randomized (with the FCCP) to either study arm
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Not meeting above criteria.
• Children:
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children 18-54 months-old who receive care in a participating FCCH
• • Care must be for at least 15 hours per week
• • Agree to be measured (All other evaluation is observation that does not require assent).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - Not meeting above criteria.