Welcome to the HEART at Head Start Study!

HEART at Head Start is a participant-led health and wellness intervention (and randomized control trial) for Head Start educators, which incorporates technology and behavior change support. Participation is by invitation only.

What is the study? 

With funding from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), researchers at Tufts University are conducting a study to understand how to impact the health and wellness goals of Head Start Early Childhood Educators (ECE). HEART at Head Start is a randomized control trial (RCT), conducted by researchers from Tufts University in partnership with the National Head Start Association (NHSA). The information and activities in the study will focus on three areas: healthy eating, physical activity and relaxation/sleep. Findings may inform the design and implementation of future health and wellness programs for Head Start educators in the greater Boston area, or nationally. Findings may also be incorporated into future guidance, center policy, or policy recommendations from NHSA. The study protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Tufts University. 

What will happen during the study? 

Participants in the research study will: 

  • Participate in three in-person Health Fairs at an ABCD Head Start Center. These will be at the beginning, six months, and nine months of the study. During these Health Fairs, blood pressure, lipid, and glucose screening will be taken. A brief health behavior survey will be taken as well as information regarding personal food intake will be provided. 
  • Following the health fair, download a free health and wellness app called Wellable, which will be accessible until October 2024.
  • Attend regular check-ins with a Tufts Guide to discuss their health and wellness goals at a convenient time. These check-ins will be via Zoom and take no more than 15 minutes.

Timeline:

Areas of Focus: 

This study will offer ABCD Head Start educators an opportunity to set personal goals surrounding healthy eating, physical activity, and relaxation/sleep. Participants will work towards these goals with the help from a Guide and using resources from the Wellable app.