Harvest for Healthy Kids: A nutrition education curriculum aligned with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework

Abstract

Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables are critical for overall health and well-being. Early care and education settings have enormous potential to promote fruit and vegetable intake. In this pilot study, we present and assess the usability of the Harvest for Healthy Kids curriculum, a nutrition education curriculum aligned with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework and developed in collaboration with Head Start administrators and teachers. We used pre- and post-intervention surveys and conducted a focus group to assess curriculum usability. At baseline and post-intervention, the teachers perceived that the curriculum was easy to understand and an acceptable and feasible way to promote fruit and vegetable intake among children. At post-intervention, the teachers perceived that the curriculum required greater systems-level supports. Access to resources, training, alignment with Head Start policies and practices, and support from administrators emerged as critical factors for curriculum implementation.