Other areas that decreased, however slightly, included questions in categories Beverages, find more Feeding Practices, and Foods Offered Outside of Regular Meals and Snacks. Considering the focus for the action plans and goals were on policies and grant funding was spent primarily on equipment, perhaps center directors were not as aware on nutrition related questions as they were on policy statements or physical activity

related questions. Nonetheless, it should be noted the changes were relatively small from pre- to post-testing and remained similar in terms of meeting or exceeding recommendations (Table 4). The availability of equipment to promote physical activity is important in improving physical activity participation.

Best practice guidelines recommend play equipment should be available, accessible, and easily transported to various locations. Equipment type and amount is often varied at centers (McWilliams et al., 2009), but important as it is significantly related to children’s time spent in moderate-vigorous physical activity (Bower et al., 2008). The funding for centers Tofacitinib chemical structure in our study most likely contributed to the improvements, noted in the Play Environment of the Physical Activity section, in availability and accessibility of play equipment as most centers, regardless of affiliation, were able to move from having ‘only one type of equipment available’ and ‘some variety’ to having ‘different equipment available’ and ‘good variety’ (see Table 3). Additionally, the workshops provided to staff members included topics related to physical activity including uses of equipment to improve physical activity levels in children. The lack of funding and resources to rural and lower income schools continues to be a concern (Greenberg et al., 2001). Our findings suggest that the importance of providing funding for centers to purchase play equipment is also a critical component to promoting environmental changes in rural child care centers. However, changes following the NAP SACC intervention occurred beyond the see more availability and accessibility

of equipment and staff workshop attendance. For instance, availability of space for active play improved as well as support for physical activity promotion displayed in classrooms and common areas. In regard to the unaffiliated centers, a more detailed policy regarding physical activity participation at the center was also implemented. Providing educational support to staff and families plays an important role in improving the environment and is often neglected (Trost et al., 2009). In low income schools, K-8th grade teachers rated providing family programs and professional development as important in improving nutrition education (Hammerschmidt et al., 2011), while Dowda et al. (2004) emphasized the importance of teacher education and providing resources.