ADULT HEALTH IN CHILD-CARE - HEALTH-STATUS, BEHAVIORS, AND CONCERNS OF TEACHERS, DIRECTORS, AND FAMILY CHILD-CARE PROVIDERS

This article reports the results of a statewide survey of health statu s, behaviors, and concerns of 446 randomly selected early childhood pr ofessionals (78 group child care center directors, 236 teachers, and 1 32 family child care providers). More than 85% of each professional gr oup rated their health as either good or excellent; 87% have worked wh en ill. Twenty-five percent of the sample (33% directors, 15% staff, 3 6% family providers) have become pregnant since working in child care. Respondents reported being ''overweight'' at levels more than twice s tate adult frequencies. Dramatic changes were reported in perceived fr equency of various symptoms and becoming ill since working in child ca re. Significant differences between the groups were found for number o f absences due to illness, nutrition, stressfulness of working in chil d care, and ergonomics and physical demands of the job.