Child Care Today ©2012

Chapter 8: Promoting Nutrition and Wellness

Chapter Summary

Eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and engaging in appropriate physical activities combine to promote a child’s wellness. Good nutrition provides the foundation for normal physical growth and intellectual development. For good health, bodies need six nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Children with deficiencies can develop health problems over time. Early child professionals can use MyPyramid to help plan nutritious meals and snacks.

Meals provided by child care facilities vary depending on hours of operation. Menus should be budget friendly, nutritious, safe to eat, and appealing to children. Many child care programs participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). As a child care professional, you should:

• Plan meals and snacks that include foods from many cultures.
• Understand dietary restrictions when planning meals and snacks.
• Offer small amounts of food at first, then offer more if a child is still hungry.
• Serve easy-to-eat foods, but avoid foods that could cause choking.
• Build social skills during snack times.

Anyone preparing food must be trained in food safety and sanitation. Maintain proper food temperatures for both hot and cold foods. Keep records of health department inspections on file for future reference. Strict cleaning routines and use of safety equipment can help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

Plan daily schedules and activities that promote wellness. Sleep improves both physical and mental abilities in children. An hour of active play each day for children can help prevent long-term health problems. Good nutrition, sleep, and physical activity contribute to good mental health. Teachers need to strategically plan schedules and activities to nurture good mental health.