The Role of Local Leaders in the Implementation of Adult-Initiated Motor Skill Development and Physical Activity in Preschool – A Case Study.

The study investigates the role of local kindergarten coordinators in the implementation of the Motor skills in PreSchool (MiPS) intervention in seven Danish kindergartens. The programme focused on training coordination, balance and gross and fine motor challenges. The purpose of the study is to increase the understanding of how initiatives aimed at improving children's motor skills can be implemented in kindergarten practice.

The results show that the kindergarten coordinators used communication (setting the agenda and spending time discussing the programme at staff meetings) and reflection questions concerning the staff's current practice in relation to the intervention as the main course of action. Through this form of communication and reflection, the kindergarten coordinators wanted to involve the staff and increase their understanding of the existing practice. The researchers behind the study believe that future implementations of initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity in kindergartens should emphasise a shared responsibility between coordinators and employees, combined with an adaptive approach where the existing practice is transformed, instead of increasing the workload of the pedagogical staff.

The data material was collected using semi-structured interviews with kindergarten coordinators in seven Danish kindergartens that participated in the MiPS programme. The coordinators were interviewed about their roles, considerations, and actions related to the implementation and maintenance of the programme.

Klein-Wengel, T. T., Nielsen, J. V., Smedegaard, S. & Skovgaard, T. (2021). "The Role of Local Leaders in the Implementation of Adult-Initiated Motor Skill Development and Physical Activity in Preschool – A Case Study". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24):13119.