According to Gram Research analysis, an online training program for daycare and preschool educators significantly improved nutrition and physical activity practices in early learning centers. Centers with trained educators showed meaningful improvements in their health environments (improvement score of 0.362, p = 0.002), and teachers improved their knowledge and behaviors around healthy eating and exercise. These improvements were maintained even after the 10-month program ended, suggesting that digital professional development can create lasting changes in how educators support children’s health habits.
A new study shows that teaching daycare and preschool educators about nutrition and physical activity through online training programs can create healthier environments for young children. Researchers in Canada trained educators using 12 weeks of online classes plus monthly coaching sessions over 10 months. Centers with trained educators showed significant improvements in their nutrition and activity practices compared to centers without the training. Teachers reported the program was easy to use and helped them build healthier routines into their daily work with children. This research suggests that online professional development for educators could be an effective way to improve children’s health habits early in life.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that early childhood centers with educators trained through a 10-month eHealth program showed significant improvements in nutrition and physical activity environments compared to untrained centers, with a medium-to-large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.72).
Educators who completed the eHealth professional development program demonstrated significant improvements in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (mean change 5.467, p = 0.023, Cohen’s d = 0.69), with improvements sustained from the 5-month midpoint through the 10-month program completion.
A quasi-experimental study of Canadian early learning centers found that 87% of educators rated the eHealth program as highly acceptable, describing it as relevant, feasible, and supportive of integrating healthy practices into daily routines.
The two-phase eHealth intervention combining 12 weeks of online modules with 5 months of monthly implementation-coaching sessions produced sustained improvements in educator practices that persisted beyond the formal training period.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether an online training program for daycare and preschool teachers could improve nutrition and physical activity practices in early learning centers
- Who participated: Licensed early childhood education centers in one Canadian province, with educators participating in the program from 2019 to 2021. The study compared centers that received the training (intervention group) with centers that did not (control group)
- Key finding: Centers with trained educators showed meaningful improvements in their nutrition and physical activity environments, and teachers improved their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors around healthy eating and exercise. These improvements stayed strong even after the training ended
- What it means for you: If your child attends a daycare or preschool, educators trained in these programs may be better equipped to support healthy eating and active play. However, this study was conducted in Canada, so results may vary in other locations and settings
The Research Details
Researchers used a quasi-experimental design, which means they compared two groups of daycare centers: one group received the eHealth training program while the other group did not. This design helps show whether the training caused the improvements observed. The program ran for 10 months total and included two main parts: first, a 12-week online course with virtual group meetings where educators learned together, and second, a 5-month period of monthly coaching sessions to help teachers actually use what they learned in their classrooms. The study was based on two important theories about how people learn and change their behavior: Social Cognitive Theory (which explains how people learn by watching others and thinking about their own abilities) and the Interconnected Model of Professional Growth Theory (which describes how professionals develop new skills over time).
This research approach is important because it tests whether online training actually works in real-world daycare settings, not just in laboratory conditions. By measuring outcomes at three time points (start, middle, and end), researchers could see if improvements lasted. Including both surveys and interviews gave a complete picture of what changed and how teachers felt about the program. This matters because early childhood educators spend significant time with young children and directly influence their eating and activity habits, making them powerful agents for change
The study used validated questionnaires (meaning the measurement tools were tested and proven reliable), measured outcomes at multiple time points to track changes, and included both quantitative data (numbers and statistics) and qualitative data (interviews with teachers). The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. However, the specific sample size was not provided in the abstract, which makes it harder to assess the strength of the findings. The study was conducted in one Canadian province, so results may not apply everywhere
What the Results Show
The main finding was that centers where educators received the training showed significantly better nutrition and physical activity environments compared to control centers. Specifically, the improvement score was 0.362 on their measurement scale (p = 0.002), which is considered a medium-to-large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.72). This means the difference was not just due to chance but represents a real, meaningful improvement. Additionally, educators who completed the program showed significant improvements in their nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, with an improvement score of 5.467 (p = 0.023, Cohen’s d = 0.69). These improvements were observed at the midpoint of the program (5 months) and were maintained when measured again at the end (10 months), suggesting the benefits lasted beyond the training period.
Qualitative interviews with educators revealed high acceptance of the program. Teachers described it as relevant to their daily work, feasible to implement with their current resources, and supportive of building healthy practices into their regular routines. The two-phase approach (online learning followed by coaching) appeared particularly effective, as it combined education with practical support for implementation. Educators appreciated the virtual Communities of Practice meetings, which allowed them to learn together and share experiences with peers
This study aligns with existing research showing that professional development for educators can improve practices in early childhood settings. However, this research adds to the evidence by demonstrating that digitally delivered training (online modules and virtual meetings) can be as effective as in-person training, making it more scalable and accessible. The use of implementation coaching in the second phase is consistent with research showing that training alone is often insufficient; ongoing support helps educators actually change their practices
The study was conducted in only one Canadian province, so findings may not apply to other regions or countries with different healthcare systems and cultural practices. The specific number of centers and educators involved was not clearly stated in the abstract, making it difficult to assess how representative the sample was. The study did not measure whether these changes in educator practices actually led to improvements in children’s eating or activity levels, which would be the ultimate goal. Additionally, the study ran from 2019 to 2021, which included the COVID-19 pandemic period, which may have affected how the program was delivered and received
The Bottom Line
If you work in early childhood education or care, consider seeking out professional development programs focused on nutrition and physical activity, particularly those that combine online learning with ongoing coaching support (moderate confidence). If you’re a parent or administrator, advocate for training opportunities for your child’s educators, as research shows these programs can improve the health environment in early learning settings (moderate confidence). However, recognize that this study was conducted in Canada, so program effectiveness may vary in other locations
Early childhood educators and administrators should care most about these findings, as they directly influence the program’s implementation. Parents of young children in daycare or preschool settings may benefit from knowing whether their child’s center has received this type of training. Policymakers and public health officials should consider this research when planning professional development initiatives. This research is less relevant for parents of school-age children or those who provide childcare at home
Improvements in educator knowledge and center environments were observed at the 5-month midpoint and maintained at 10 months. If a daycare center implemented a similar program, you might expect to see changes in daily routines and practices within 2-3 months, with more substantial improvements by 5-6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can online training for daycare teachers really improve kids’ health habits?
Research shows that online training programs for early childhood educators can significantly improve nutrition and physical activity practices in daycare centers. A 2026 study found that centers with trained educators showed meaningful improvements in their health environments, with effects sustained over time. However, the study measured educator practices, not direct changes in children’s health outcomes
What’s the best way to train preschool teachers about healthy eating and exercise?
According to research reviewed by Gram, a two-phase approach works best: 12 weeks of online education combined with 5 months of monthly coaching sessions. This combination of learning and practical support helps teachers actually implement healthy practices in their daily routines. Virtual group meetings where educators learn together also increase effectiveness
How long does it take to see changes in daycare nutrition and activity practices?
The eHealth study observed significant improvements at the 5-month midpoint, with benefits maintained through 10 months. This suggests meaningful changes in center practices can occur within 2-3 months, with more substantial improvements by 5-6 months of training and coaching support
Do early childhood educators actually use what they learn in training programs?
Qualitative interviews in this study found that educators rated the program highly acceptable and described it as feasible to implement. Teachers reported successfully integrating healthy practices into daily routines, suggesting that well-designed programs with ongoing coaching support do translate into real practice changes
Is online professional development as effective as in-person training for educators?
This research demonstrates that digitally delivered professional development with virtual coaching can produce significant improvements in educator practices and center environments. The online format made the program scalable and accessible while maintaining effectiveness, suggesting it’s a viable alternative to in-person training
Want to Apply This Research?
- If you’re an educator using an app to track professional development, log completion of nutrition and physical activity training modules weekly and note specific practices you’ve implemented (e.g., ‘introduced water-only snack time’ or ‘added 15-minute outdoor play session’)
- Use the app to set a specific goal like ‘increase outdoor active play time by 10 minutes daily’ or ‘introduce one new healthy snack option per week’ and track progress. Share these goals with colleagues through the app’s community feature to build accountability
- Track long-term changes by recording monthly observations of center-level improvements: snack quality, outdoor play frequency, and educator confidence in implementing healthy practices. Use the app’s reminder feature to schedule quarterly check-ins to ensure practices remain consistent over time
This research describes improvements in educator practices and center environments, not direct health outcomes in children. The study was conducted in one Canadian province and may not apply to all regions or settings. Parents should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health condition in their child. Consult with your child’s healthcare provider or the center’s director for specific questions about your child’s nutrition or activity levels. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or educational advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
