Table 1 Description of the Go NAPSACC tools
Tool | NAPSACC and Original Implementation Strategies | Go NAPSACC’s Translation of Original Implementation Strategies | Go NAPSACC’s Additional Implementation Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
Self-Assessment | Audit with feedback An 87-item self-assessment evaluates ECE program’s current performance around nutrition and physical activity. Items are scored on a 4-point scale (1 = minimal practice, 4 = best practice). Layout of the paper tool allows easy identification of best practices being met (responses in the right-most column). | Audit with feedback Self-assessments allow the ECE program administrator to evaluate current practices in five key areas: breastfeeding and infant feeding (25 items), child nutrition (46 items), physical activity (23 items), outdoor play and learning (20 items), and screen time (13 items). The ECE program can complete all five or focus on only those areas of greatest interest. Original 4-point scoring is retained. | Tailor strategies Items are tailored for type of program (center vs. family child care home), ages of children served, full-time vs. part-time programs, etc. Facilitation Upon completion, feedback is given on each sub-section highlighting where the provider is doing a “great job” vs. “on your way” (needing improvement). |
Goal Setting | Promote adaptability The NAPSACC Consultant reviews self-assessment results with the ECE program administrator and helps identify goals for improvement. | Promote adaptability Goal setting tool allows the ECE program administrator to identify goals for improvement. | Tailor strategies Presentation of possible goals shows the ECE program administrator where they can go after small changes or where they will need to invest more dedicated effort. |
Action Planning | Develop formal implementation blueprint The NAPSACC Consultant helps the ECE program administrator develop an action plan for each goal selected. | Develop formal implementation blueprint Once goals are selected, step-by-step action plans are available that offer guidance for implementing changes. | Facilitation Action plans are pre-filled and specific to each goal. The ECE program can use as-is or edit it to fit his/her needs and resources. The tool prompts for a target completion date and identification of internal (e.g., parents, staff) and external (e.g., food vendor) sources of support. |
Tips and Materials | Distribution of educational materials Slides and talking points for five educational workshops (child obesity, nutrition, physical activity, staff wellness, and working with families) are available, which NAPSACC Consultants can use to provide training to ECE program administrators. Additional resources have to be identified by the NAPSACC Consultant. | Distribution of educational materials An extensive library of resources is available and organized for easy navigation – sorted by topic area and type of resource. Types of resources include staff education, classroom activities, menu planning guidance, educational videos, policy templates, etc. Resources have been thoroughly vetted to ensure compliance with best practices. | Tailor strategies/Facilitation The ECE program administrator is directed to relevant tips and materials at the completion of each action plan. Tailor strategies The administrator can identify “favorites” which creates a shortcut on their tips and materials landing page linking to that resource. |