Go NAPSACC

Description

Go NAPSACC (formerly Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care) is a web-based delivery program to help early care and education (ECE) programs improve children's physical health and social emotional well-being. This program provides programming for ECE programs as well as technical assistance consultants working with ECE programs to provide additional support.

Go NAPSACC was created at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Services offered

Go NAPSACC works with participating states, who then work with local ECE programs.

Go NAPSACC offers programming in these areas:

• Breastfeeding and infant feeding: resources for ECE programs to share with families
• Child nutrition
• Farm to ECE: connecting local farmers to ECE programs and teaching children about produce
• Infant and child physical activity
• Oral health
• Outdoor play and learning
• Screen time
• Social emotional well-being

Go NAPSACC asks ECE programs to complete 5 steps:

• Assess: Complete a self-assessment, available in English and Spanish.
• Plan: Use the action planning tool.
• Take Action: Access Go NAPSACC's library of resources.
• Learn More: Complete a Go NAPSACC training.
• Keep It Up: Reassess your program, celebrate successes, and plan future improvements.

Go NAPSACC uses online and in-person implementation strategies to connect ECE programs and technical assistance providers to support changes to evidence-based practices. ECE programs can access learning cohorts, learning collaboratives, and communities of practices to enhance their engagement and connection with other ECE programs.

Results

As of July 2026, 15,685 ECE programs serving approximately 95,000 children have used Go NAPSACC. Go NAPSACC is currently in 21 states.

In a 2017 study of 31 rural ECE programs in North Carolina, ECE program directors reported a positive experience and few barriers with implementing Go NAPSACC. In a 2014 study of NAPSACC (Go NAPSACC's predecessor), programs in three rural North Carolina counties improved nutrition standards like serving 100% fruit juice; introducing new foods in weekly menus; and improving nutrition education for children, parents, and staff. Programs also made more play equipment available, provided more space for physical activity, and offered physical activity education to parents.

For more information about this program:

Ward, D.S., Vaughn, A.E., Mazzucca, S., & Burney, R. (2017). Translating a Child Care Based Intervention for Online Delivery: Development and Randomized Pilot Study of Go NAPSACC. BMC Public Health, 17(1), 891. Article Abstract

Battista, R.A., Oakley, H., Weddell, M.S., Mudd, L.M., Greene, J.B., & West, S.T. (2014). Improving the Physical Activity and Nutrition Environment through Self-Assessment (NAP SACC) in Rural Area Child Care Centers in North Carolina. Preventive Medicine, 67 Suppl 1, S10-S16. Article Abstract

Other, non-rural-specific journal article citations are available on Go NAPSACC's The Evidence page.

Challenges

A 2017 study reported implementation barriers such as ECE programs having slow internet, staffers having low computer literacy, and a need for more technical assistance (TA) support. Program coordinators say that the literacy issue can be addressed through an in-person orientation to the program. In addition, paper copies of the materials are available.

There are also language barriers for some ECE programs and employees. Some action plans are available in Spanish, and internet browsers may have a translation feature to help providers and employees read the online materials.

Go NAPSACC coordinators say that programs have more success when they communicate with other participating programs, but rural ECE programs may be the only one in their area.

For rural ECE programs in areas with no grocery stores, program coordinators recommend connecting with local farmers or food production facilities or starting a garden on site.

Replication

ECE programs and TA consultants interested in joining Go NAPSACC can visit the Participating States page to see if their state is listed. If so, they can reach out to their state contact and ask for a registration code. After registration, participants will receive access to the Go NAPSACC Toolkit.

If your state is not listed, you can contact Go NAPSACC at gonapsacc@unc.edu, and the organization will reach out to potential state partners. An annual membership for state partners costs $35,000.

Go NAPSACC partners with foundations, state departments of health, and public health organizations. A 2014 study used local health departments to disseminate NAPSACC materials to rural ECE programs.

Contact Information