Motor competence and characteristics within the preschool environment.
OBJECTIVE
Environmental characteristics within preschools that influence children's motor competence are largely unknown. The purpose of the present study was to examine the contribution of various preschool environmental characteristics to children's locomotor, object control, and total gross motor scores.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, observational study of 3-5 year-old children (n=229) from 22 preschools in South Carolina.


METHODS
The Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Study (CHAMPS) Motor Skills Protocol assessed MC. Preschool directors provided information regarding policies and practices. The research team measured playgrounds and classrooms, and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised assessed preschool quality. Time spent in open space and electronic media use were also assessed using direct observation. The aforementioned variables predicted children's object control, locomotor, and total gross motor scores.


RESULTS
Classroom size/child ratio, teacher education, playground size, electronic media use, and trips to outside organizations emerged as significant predictors of locomotor score and total motor score. The object control model was non-significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Preschools may be able to promote motor competence by allowing children more time in open spaces, structured activity experiences, and by expanding existing outdoor playground space whenever possible.
Kinesiology Department, School of Professional Studies, State University of New York at Cortland, USA. Electronic address: Larissa.true@cortland.edu.
Larissa
L
True
Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, USA.
Karin Allor
KA
Pfeiffer
Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA.
Marsha
M
Dowda
Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA.
Harriet G
HG
Williams
Department of Educational Studies, Wardlaw College of Education, University of South Carolina, USA.
William H
WH
Brown
Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA.
Jennifer R
JR
O'Neill
Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA.
Russell R
RR
Pate
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D012574:Schools / Q000592:standards*; D013022:South Carolina
Childcare; Children; Fundamental movement skills; Motor competence; Motor development; Preschool