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Educators’ Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Policy Implementation in the Childcare Setting: Qualitative Findings From the Play Active Project

We explored childcare educators’ perceived barriers and facilitators to policy implementation in order to inform the development and implementation of an early childhood education and care (ECEC) specific physical activity policy. This study was part of the Play Active (2019-2023) project which aimed to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based physical activity policy to improve physical activity levels in children attending ECEC.

Is early childhood development impeded by the birth timing of the younger sibling?

This study investigated whether the timing of birth of the younger siblings was associated with the risk of the older siblings’ developmental vulnerability in early childhood.

Individual, Social, and Environmental Correlates of Energy Drink Use Among Adolescents

To investigate the correlates of adolescent energy drink use using a socioecological approach to inform future interventions.

Association between vaccination status, symptom identification and healthcare use: Implications for test negative design observational studies

To test the internal validity of the test-negative design (TND) by investigating associations between maternal influenza vaccination, and new virus detection episodes (VDEs), acute respiratory illness, and healthcare visits in their children.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the Play Active policy intervention and implementation support in early childhood education and care: a pragmatic cluster randomised trial protocol

Daily physical activity is critical during the early years of life for facilitating children's health and development. A large proportion of preschool children do not achieve the recommended 3 h of daily physical activity. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are a key setting to intervene to increase physical activity. There is a significant need for ECEC specific physical activity policy, including clearer guidelines on the amount of physical activity children should do during care, and strategies for implementation of these guidelines.

Is vegetation cover in key behaviour settings important for early childhood socioemotional function? A preregistered, cross-sectional study

The environmental influences on early childhood development are understudied. The association between vegetation cover (i.e., trees, shrubs, grassed areas) in four key behaviour settings and socioemotional functioning was investigated in 1196 young children (2–5 years).

Dogs are more than companions, they are great for our mental wellbeing

A new study has highlighted the positive impact dog ownership has on our mental health.

Incorporating Children's Voices

Informing urban planning and policy development to grow equitable access to healthy environments for young people and their families.

Play Active Program

Physical activity is critical during the early years of life for a child’s health and development.

Play Active Program – physical activity policy and training for Early Childhood Education and Care

Play Active is a national, low-cost, evidence-based program to boost energetic play in early childhood education and care. It offers free professional development for educators.