P89 The Impact of Digital Learning on Child Care Providers Regarding the Implementation of CACFP Meal Pattern

Background With the release of 2017 United State Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal pattern, states need to provide training and technical assistance to all Child Care Providers (CCPs) who participate in CACFP to ensure that healthy foods are served to children during mealtime in order to improve early childhood dietary quality and health outcomes. Objective To assess the effectiveness of CACFP Digital Learning (DL) in increasing the knowledge level of the Child Care Providers (CCPs) regarding the implementation of USDA/CACFP new meal pattern in Nebraska (NE). Study Design, Settings, Participants CCPs who participate in CACFP (N = 286) completed four digital learning modules regarding the new CACFP meal pattern. Pre-post knowledge questions were utilized before and after completing each module. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Paired sample t-tests were conducted using SPSS statistical software to examine the differences in CCPs knowledge scores from pre-test to post-test. Results Data shows a significant (P Conclusion It is a win-win result for the NE Department of Education (NDE) and CCPs. DL approach is effective for positively impacting CCPs knowledge level regarding the CACFP new meal pattern. At the same time, DL enables NDE to disseminate the training across the state and reach more CCPs. Although this study aimed to measure the knowledge level of the CCPs directly upon completion each module, future research should focus on the long-term knowledge of the CCPs who utilize DL. Funding USDA Team Nutrition.