The relationship of gross motor and physical activity environments in child care settings with early learning outcomes.

Gross motor and physical activity opportunities in early childhood are important for promoting health and development. We conducted two studies with the following aims: 1) to describe the quality of gross motor/physical activity early learning environments in Washington (WA) state, USA and 2) to study the relationship between the quality of gross motor/physical activity environments and various early learning outcomes. We used state-wide classroom quality measures related to gross motor activities from the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (N=1335 centers). For Aim 2, individual early learning assessments were conducted on 495 children from 72 centers in the fall and spring. We found considerable room for improvement in the space, equipment, schedule and supervision related to gross motor activities in child care centers. The quality of the gross motor environments was found to be related to desirable early learning outcomes including preschoolers' executive functions and behavior.