Optimizing nutrition education for parents and teachers to promote healthy growth in children

ONE PATH: Optimizing Nutrition Education for Parents and Teachers for Healthy Growth

Not applicable Interventional Penn State University · NCT03817021

This study is testing a new way to help parents and teachers promote healthy eating and growth in preschoolers from low-income areas by providing training and resources to improve feeding practices.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment768 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorPenn State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT03817021 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance responsive feeding practices and appetite regulation among preschoolers in rural, low-income areas. Utilizing a multiphase optimization strategy (MOST), it will evaluate the effectiveness of interventions targeting early childhood education providers, parents, and children. The interventions include online training for educators, a play-based curriculum for children, and remote coaching for parents. Approximately 768 dyads will be recruited from 56 classrooms to assess improvements in feeding practices and children's BMI over a 9-month period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are preschool children aged 2 to 6 years enrolled in participating Head Start or Pre-K Counts centers, along with their parents or primary caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those whose children are not enrolled in the participating preschool programs or who do not meet the age criteria.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce childhood obesity rates by promoting healthier feeding practices and self-regulation in young children.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar responsive feeding interventions, indicating a promising approach to addressing childhood obesity.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* children must be enrolled in a participating Head Start or Pre-K Counts center
* children must be between 2 and 6 years old
* parent or primary caregiver must be 18 years or older
* parent/child English speaking
* ECE providers must be employed in participating Head Start or Pre-K Counts center

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parents will not be eligible to participate if their child is not eligible and/or not enrolled in the study
* ECE providers will not be eligible if they do not teach in a participating preschool classroom

Where this trial is running

University Park, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Childhood ObesitySelf-regulationAppetite RegulationResponsive parentingEarly Childhood Education
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.