Identifying Challenges and Solutions to Early Childhood Education and the Perceived Importance of Outdoor Time: A Mixed Methods Approach in a Socioeconomically Diverse Population

TL;DR

This study explores how to increase outdoor time in early childhood education, especially in low-income communities, to improve children's health.

Contribution

The novel contribution is using mixed methods to identify socioeconomic influences on ECE priorities and barriers to outdoor time.

Findings

Parents prioritize social-emotional learning and outdoor time when choosing ECE settings.

Financial challenges and limited program availability are major barriers to outdoor time in ECE.

Low income correlates with higher anxiety, and outdoor time may act as a protective factor.

Abstract

The current literature supports the positive relationship between time in nature and the improvement in children’s health and identifies early childhood education (ECE) settings as an avenue for intervention. Unfortunately, access to both outdoor time and ECE opportunities is lower in communities facing economic adversity. Efforts are needed to identify the best approaches to incorporate outdoor time in ECE settings, especially in communities facing socioeconomic adversity. The objectives of this research were to use a mixed methods approach to identify (1) barriers and solutions to the integration of outdoor time in ECE settings, (2) if outdoor time is a priority in ECE settings compared to other ECE priorities, and (3) how socioeconomic status influences ECE priorities and barriers for outdoor time, and health outcomes. Fourteen focus groups were conducted (n = 50) in the United States (US) with participants from three stakeholder groups: outdoor educators, parents of children attending outdoor preschool, and community members with children. Participants completed a survey (n = 49) to evaluate demographics, views on ECE and outdoor time, and health characteristics. Exploratory analyses of F as an effect modifier were conducted. The survey results showed that parents prioritized social and emotional learning and outdoor time when selecting an ECE setting for their child. The barriers identified include financial challenges and the limited availability of ECE programs. The solutions discussed included increased availability and financial support. Low income was correlated with higher rates of anxiety and increased outdoor time was a potential protective factor. These insights inform interventions to enhance outdoor time in ECE settings, with the goal of reducing disparities and promoting children’s overall health.