CHILE: an evidence-based preschool intervention for obesity prevention in Head Start.
BACKGROUND
Obesity is a major concern among American Indians and Hispanics. The Child Health Initiative for Lifelong Eating and Exercise (CHILE) is an evidence-based intervention to prevent obesity in children enrolled in 16 Head Start (HS) Centers in rural communities. The design and implementation of CHILE are described.


METHODS
CHILE uses a socioecological approach to improve dietary intake and increase physical activity. The intervention includes: a classroom curriculum; teacher and food service training; family engagement; grocery store participation; and health care provider support.


RESULTS
Lessons learned from CHILE include the need to consider availability of recommended foods; the necessity of multiple training sessions for teachers and food service; the need to tailor the family events to local needs; consideration of the profit needs of grocery stores; and sensitivity to the time constraints of health care providers.


CONCLUSIONS
HS can play an important role in preventing obesity in children. CHILE is an example of a feasible intervention that addresses nutrition and physical activity for preschool children that can be incorporated into HS curricula and aligns with HS national performance standards.
Prevention Research Center, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC 11 6145, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. SDavis@salud.unm.edu
Sally M
SM
Davis
Sarah G
SG
Sanders
Courtney A
CA
FitzGerald
Patricia C
PC
Keane
Glenda F
GF
Canaca
Renee
R
Volker-Rector
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003479:Curriculum; D004032:Diet; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005178:Faculty; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016730:Program Development; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States