At a glance
Embedding obesity-prevention standards into early care and education (ECE) licensing is an opportunity for states to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Learn more about how Texas changed their standards to promote healthy growth and prevent obesity in ECE settings.
Updated Texas standards
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Obesity Prevention Program (OPP) convened local early childhood experts to help implement a set of best practices in early care and education (ECE) programs. Funding from CDC's State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) program supported the effort.
As a result, Texas DSHS OPP was well-positioned to assist and support ECE programs in meeting new licensing standards. These new standards were established when Texas Senate Bill 952 was passed in 2019. New child care licensing regulations required that Texas ECE programs meet updated standards for breastfeeding support, infant feeding, nutrition, physical activity, and screen time. These standards align with the high-impact obesity prevention standards (HIOPS) and USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Implementing the standard
Texas DSHS OPP, with other state and local partners, helped ECE programs implement the standards by:
- Providing Go NAPSACC as an an evidence-based intervention to improve their policies and practices.
- Launching a statewide recognition program, Texas Healthy Building Blocks.
- Creating a quality seal for Outdoor Learning Environments (OLE!).
- Creating an online professional development training program.
State guidance and support for ECE providers
Outline of childcare licensing regulations in Texas: