Education, Child and Youth Study
Mount Saint Vincent University
In the Maritime Provinces, responsive feeding is integrated into provincial nutrition standards for child care programs but there is an established implementation gap. The CELEBRATE Feeding (Coaching in Early Learning Environments to Build a Responsive Approach to Eating and Feeding) intervention was designed to support the implementation of responsive feeding through an evidence-based framework driven by behaviour change theory. A feasibility study was conducted with eight child care programs in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island using a pre–post mixed-methods design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to evaluate the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) of the six-month coaching intervention. Data sources included baseline and post-intervention observations of feeding environments, pre–post educator surveys, interviews, coaching logs, and a six-month follow-up survey. The intervention reached a diverse range of educators and children and was associated with significant improvements in responsive feeding environments and practices. Observation scores increased from baseline with the largest positive change observed in educator’s gentle prompts/nudges. Educators reported observed positive changes in children’s independence and food acceptance and valued the expert guidance and practical tools from coaching but noted challenges related to communication, scheduling, and staff turnover. Follow-up data indicated sustained use of key practices across all centres. The CELEBRATE Feeding coaching intervention effectively enhanced responsive feeding practices and environments in child care settings. Ongoing support and strategies to address logistical barriers are needed to sustain and scale, ultimately promoting more responsive mealtime environments for children.
Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac (she/her) is an Associate Professor within the Faculty of Education and Department of Child and Youth Study at Mount Saint Vincent University. Dr. McIsaac holds a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Early Childhood: Diversity and Transitions and directs the Early Childhood Collaborative Research Centre (ECCRC) which engages families, as well as partners in policy and practice, in research to enhance early childhood well-being. Research at the ECCRC aims to amplify child, family, and community voice by evaluating early childhood policy innovations and co-designing solutions that support child well-being. Dr. McIsaac has over fifteen years of experience studying health promotion interventions in schools and child care programs and she co-led the CELEBRATE Feeding project.