Developing the candidate intervention components
AIDS
Classroom curricula were designed to be implemented by preschool teachers. Lessons were designed to build on one another, with basic concepts discussed first, and subsequent lessons progressing to more demanding and skill-building challenges. List of lesson topics for each classroom curriculum tested in the optimization trial.An example of materials used in classroom curricula and images used in the web-based parent education component.Children in all experimental conditions received a food literacy curriculum, which included 27 lessons (including an introductory lesson) that introduced children to a new fruit or vegetable from A to Z each. Each lesson contained information on how and where the food grows, and why it is good for our bodies. Parents across all conditions received access to web-based parent resources (e.g. tip sheets) related to the food literacy curriculum. The food literacy curriculum was designed as an inactive, engagement component to provide some education to all children. We did not expect this curriculum to impact any of the short-term study outcomes, including healthy eating outcomes. None of the food literacy curricular content was focused on the specific outcomes that were targeted in the healthy eating curriculum, such as the food groups needed to build a healthy meal.The healthy eating classroom component included 11 lessons that focused on improving children’s food knowledge ( e.g. identifying energy- versus nutrient-dense foods), and their ability to make healthy food choices for meals and snacks. The curriculum had a restaurant theme, and was designed to progressively build skills each week that would allow children to open a “healthy restaurant” by the last lesson.The active play classroom component consisted of 11 lessons that included active games designed to increase children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by ∼30 min during the school day. Each lesson consisted of a warm-up activity, an active game, a stretching activity, and a cool down breathing exercise. The curriculum included visual aids to promote high-energy movement and stretching. Teachers also had access to online how-to videos that demonstrated each activity. Language used throughout the lessons emphasized play.The self-regulation classroom component consisted of 11 lessons focused on improving children’s self-regulation in three developmental domains: emotional regulation (Parent web-based lessons were created to provide parents with guidance on supporting (at home) the skills and knowledge that children gained from the classroom curricula (see Parent education lesson topics, content, and targeted child outcomes.