Coaching in Early Learning Environments to Build a Responsive Approach to Eating and Feeding (2020-2026)

This project was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This project used a coaching model to support early childhood educators (ECEs) and other child care centre staff to build a responsive feeding environment in their centre and to gain or improve responsive feeding practices. The CELEBRATE Feeding intervention was developed using the Behaviour Change Wheel, a systematic tool for understanding and changing behaviour through effective intervention design. Educators and centre staff were coached by two Early Years Nutrition Coaches using Behaviour Change Wheel techniques. We worked with five Nova Scotian child care centres and three child care centres on Prince Edward Island to implement a six-month coaching intervention beginning in 2022.

The CELEBRATE Feeding coaching intervention was successful in improving responsive feeding practices and environments in child care settings. The intervention reached a diverse range of educators and children, resulting in significant improvements in responsive feeding behaviours, with observation scores increasing significantly from baseline to post-intervention. Educators reported engaging more frequently in responsive feeding practices and observed positive changes in children’s food intake and independence. Overall, the intervention had a positive impact, though addressing logistical barriers is crucial for long-term sustainability.