The study was designed to provide evidence of potential benefits to children who receive enhanced physical literacy (PL) programming in their child care settings in Alberta and British Columbia.

Educators reported that children in the study showed improvements in social development, focus, and participation, imagination, independence, and engagement in risky and adventurous play.

This Proof of Concept study, funded by Active for Life, was designed to provide evidence that more active outdoor play and indoor physical activity will result in multiple benefits to children.

Participants showed improved relationships among and with children and staff, and with parents. Results also indicated that 100% of the participants will continue to use physical literacy programming in their centres.

The second phase of the Proof of Concept study enabled us to work with more centres, refine the study design, and provide stronger evidence of the multiple benefits to children and educators.

Notable changes in educator practice include engaging physical literacy program planning to increase both outdoor and indoor activity, and that they feel both confident and competent doing so.