PHYSICAL FITNESS CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS FOR POLISH EARLY EDUCATION TEACHERS

This study determined the general fitness level of female early education teachers (EETs) (N=217) based on fitness test standards, and compared the results with those of preschool children (N=700), early elementary school children (n=1306) and female early education university students (FEEUSs) (N=303) in Poland. All participants were subjected to height and weight measurements and their BMI scores were determined. Based on eight motor fitness tests, the general physical fitness level of EETs was 'average', based on the classification standards in Podstawski's Test. The scores of the EETs were 'poor' in three motor tests, 'average' in four tests and 'good' in only one test. The EETs scores were significantly poorer than early elementary school children in 4x10m shuttle run, sit-ups in 30s, bent arm hang on bar and a 1-minute Burpee test. The results of the EETs were significantly below those of FEEUSs in the standing long jump, 4x10m shuttle run, sit-ups in 30s, medicine ball backward throw and downward bend from a standing position. Physical fitness plays a very important role in the daily work of EETs. Recruitment principles for early education programmes should be revised to include fitness tests and early education curricula should be expanded to include physical education classes.