Participant Information Sheet

Brookvale Community Health Centre

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET AND CONSENT FORM

The evaluation of Small Bites for Big Steps

Invitation

We are seeking Early Childhood Educators who have completed the Small Bites for Big Steps professional development course to share their thoughts and experience via an anonymous short survey.

The study is being conducted by members of the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD), Early Years team (who bring you Munch &Move).

This includes: Nicole Tate, Early Years Manager, Population Health Promotion, NSLHD, [email protected], Ruth Crowe, Health Promotion Officer, Population Health Promotion, NSLHD [email protected], Kara McDonnell, Health Promotion Officer, Population Health Promotion, NSLHD [email protected] and Christine Newman, NSLHD [email protected]

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'What is the purpose of this study?'
The purpose of this study is to explore how early childhood educators found the professional development course, Small Bites for Big Steps, including if they:
a) found the course improved their knowledge,
b) felt they learned from the information and
c) think they can apply the knowledge in their everyday practices.
For example; through teaching fundamental movement skills, creating supportive breastfeeding environments, promoting physical activity and healthy eating. Additionally, we wish to explore how early childhood educators may use the on-demand videos resources within their services and everyday practices.
'Why have I been invited to participate in this study?'
You have been invited to complete this survey because you are an early childhood educator who has completed one of the Small Bites for Big Steps professional development courses (Nursery, Toddler or Preschool).
'What if I don't want to take part in this study, or if I want to withdraw later?'
Filling out this survey is voluntary. It is up to you if you would like to complete the survey or not. If you decide not to complete the survey, it will not affect your relationship with your Munch & Move Team or Northern Sydney Local Health District.
If you wish to withdraw from the study once it has started, you can do so at any time before completing the survey. Once you submit your survey answers, it may not be possible to withdraw your responses from the study as we will not be collecting identifying details from you (such as your name).
'What does this study involve?'
If you agree to participate in this study by filling out the survey, you will be asked to sign the Participant Consent Form and complete a survey that should take no longer than 10-20 minutes to complete. The survey can be completed online at a time that best suits you.
'How is this study being paid for?'
The study is being funded by the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD), Early Years team (the team who brings you Munch & Move).
'Are there risks to me in taking part in this study?'
There are minimal risks associated with taking part in this study. If you agree to participate, you will be asked to fill in a survey about your experience completing the Small Bites for Big Steps professional development course. Apart from the time it will take you to complete the short survey, we do not see any risks for you. Your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time. However, as we will not ask for any of your identifiable information, such as your name or place of work, once you submit your survey responses, we may not be able to withdraw your data from the study.
'Will I benefit from the study?'
The findings of this evaluation study will be of great practical benefit to the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. The results will help Northern Sydney Local Health District continue to create and improve resources and professional development courses to meet the needs of early childhood educators in the future.
'Will taking part in this study cost me anything, and will I be paid?
Participation in this study will not cost you anything and there is no financial benefit for you completing this short survey.
'How will my confidentiality be protected?'
All the information you provide, including your consent form and any personal (identifiable) information will be kept confidential and stored on the secure, password protected database called RedCap. RedCap is a secure platform which is located on the Northern Sydney Local Health District server. Any identifiable information that is collected about you in connection with this study will remain confidential and will not be disclosed without your permission, or if required by law. Only the researchers named above will have access to your details and results that will be held securely at Northern Sydney Local Health District.
'What happens with the results?'
Results of this study will be used to inform future professional development programs and support Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services.  Findings may also be published in journal articles or presented at conferences. In all publications, information will be provided in such a way that you cannot be identified. Results of the study will be provided to you if you wish.
'What should I do if I want to discuss this study further before I decide?'
If you would like to know more at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact Nicole Tate on 02 8797 7298 or at [email protected].
'Who should I contact if I have concerns about the conduct of this study?'
This study has been approved by the Northern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee. Any person with concerns or complaints about the conduct of this study should contact the Research Office who is nominated to receive complaints from research participants. You should contact them at [email protected] and quote REGIS reference number 2023/ETH01666.

Are you an Early childhood Educator?

* must provide value

Yes

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