Exploring Wellness Among Childcare Staff in North Carolina: Creating a Culture of Health for Adults and Young Children

Objectives: The early childhood education workforce is an important partner in childhood obesity prevention. However, childcare providers tend to have high obesity rates. This project's goal is to develop an understanding of childcare staffs' goals, needs, and experiences related to wellness. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with childcare center directors and teachers who participate in Shape NC, a childhood obesity prevention program. Results: Staff report having wellness routines, feel that their workplaces benefit their health, see themselves as role models for children's health, and expressed interest in receiving support for workplace wellness programming. Conclusions: Staff perceive that their health is linked to children's wellbeing, and are key partners in obesity prevention. Their role can be strengthened by integrating staff wellness into Shape NC training and programming.Master of Public Healt