NCT07583459 · University of South Carolina
Efficacy of Center-based Childcare to Mitigate Unhealthy Weight Gain in Preschoolers From Low-income Households During the Summer
What this study is about
Studies show that preschool-age children are especially vulnerable to accelerated weight gain during the summer, with those from low-income households (≤185% poverty level or Medicaid eligible - the target population for this study) exhibiting the greatest risk of unhealthy weight gain. Despite numerous interventions designed to prevent OWOB, none target preschoolers during summer.
View original scientific description
Studies show that preschool-age children are especially vulnerable to accelerated weight gain during the summer, with those from low-income households (≤185% poverty level or Medicaid eligible - the target population for this study) exhibiting the greatest risk of unhealthy weight gain. Despite numerous interventions designed to prevent OWOB, none target preschoolers during summer. For families from low-income households, attending center-based childcare is associated with a lower risk of developing OWOB by 1st grade compared to attending home-based care. Center-based childcare lowers the risk of OWOB through daily rules/routines that promote healthy behaviors. For families from low-income households, publicly funded center-based childcares (e.g., needs-based pre-K, Head Start) typically operate on an academic/school 9-month calendar (Aug-May). During summer, fewer than 30% of preschoolers attend center-based childcare. For many preschoolers from lower-income households, summer may serve as an extended period away from formal center-based childcare, because the out-of-pocket expense may prohibit attendance. This may promote unhealthy behaviors and excessive weight gain. In the majority of US states, publicly funded center-based childcare during the academic/school year for families from underserved populations is free; however, center-based childcare during the summer is an out-of-pocket expense for many of these families. Despite parents' desire for childcare during the summer, a major reason children from low-income households do not attend center-based care during summer is cost. This creates unequal access to resources and likely exacerbates health disparities for families from low-income households. Using a structural intervention approach, this study will test the impact of providing free center-based childcare in the summer. This R01 will rigorously test the impact of providing free center-based childcare during the summer on weight status of preschoolers from low-income households (≤185% of poverty level or Medicaid eligible).
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Childcare
Daily Schedule: The daily schedule will be from \~8am to 5pm M-F. The centers will provide lunch, snacks, and a nap. The activities each day will focus on core state curriculum standards for reading, social emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness. Preschoolers will be offered 2-3 15-20min recess periods each day and be provided physical education for 45min on a rotating 2/3 schedule every 2 weeks (i.e., 2 days/week followed by 3 days/week). Meals: All meals provided will be reimbursed through the district's Summer Food Service Program and will adhere to the nutritional guidelines of the Summer Food Service Program. The program will be overseen by district personnel who are responsible for pre-K during the 9m school year. Staffing: The program will be staffed by pre-K teachers who teach in the district. Teachers have already expressed interest in staffing the summer program and will be recruited by organization personnel. Setting: The center-based childcare wil
Primary outcome measures
Bioelectrical Impedance
Time frame: Baseline (0 months) prior to the beginning of summer and post intervention at the end of summer (3 months)
Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA) will be used as a measure of children's body composition. This will allow for the quantification of whole-body fat mass and fat free mass associated with changes over school and summer. BIA will be collected via the Inbody 270 (Seoul, South Korea), which is validated for use in 3-4 yr-old children.
BMI z-score
Time frame: Baseline (0 months) prior to the beginning of summer and post intervention at the end of summer (3 months)
BMI z-score is a age-sex standardized metric of BMI (height and weight)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Children will need to be enrolled in a needs-based pre-K program in our partner organizations to be eligible to participate. No other
Exclusion criteria
- will be applied Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where
- Columbia, South Carolina
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations