Translating evidence on health promotion programmes in early childhood education into practice

Abstract Relevance In early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres, developmental observation is used to identify children's individual support needs early on, while universal health promotion programmes (HPP) are implemented to encourage the development of healthy behaviours. However, both developmental assessment tools (DAT) and HPP often lack scientific quality standards. Although the generation of scientific evidence is crucial for the effective and sustainable promotion of children's (health) development, it is usually difficult to understand or inaccessible to support delivery system actors, like policymakers, ECEC providers, educational professionals. Activities The aim of the working group was to identify DAT and HPP and to compile scientific evidence. We conducted an online survey in ECEC centres in BW, a systematic review and web search. All available documents and scientific publications were analysed to collect information on content, theory-based development, effectiveness, and implementation. Finally, based on the Quality and Effectiveness in Science and Technology communication (QUEST) Guide, the resulting scientific findings are translated for the respective target groups. Impact Evidence-based practices are the key to successful health promotion for children in ECEC centres. However, they are not consistently applied in everyday life. Translating scientific findings for support and delivery system actors in ECEC centres is intended to facilitate the selection and application of reliable and valid DAT and effective and sustainable HPP. Key message By using quality indicators for science communication, scientists can contribute to ensure that scientific findings are understood and applied by actors in the support and delivery system of ECEC centres.