Healthy Eating and Young Children

Many eating habits are formed during early childhood, and persist throughout life.  The purpose of this training is to provide parents and caregivers with information and practical techniques to promote healthy eating habits in young children.  This presentation is related to preschool age children and older.  Infants and toddlers need adequate fat in their diets for healthy growth and development, including brain development.  Obesity is not considered to be an issue with infants and toddlers.

Caregivers may have more opportunity than parents to observe a child's eating habits since they often provide the child with two meals and snacks each day.  Caregivers can and should notice a child's appetite and eating habits and can share this information with parents.  It is helpful for caregivers to know basic information about children's nutrition and growth patterns.  Caregivers should NOT attempt to determine if a child is over- or under-weight, and should never recommend specifies diets, nutritional supplements, etc.  It is important that caregivers refer parents to nutritionists,  childcare health consultants, and pediatricians to answer specific questions.

Click to download training evaluation forms in English.

• Define "healthy eating" as it relates to young children.
• Describe ways to promote children's decision-making skills related to food choices.
• List cost-effective and convenient techniques to provide nutritious foods.

Caring for Our Children:
4.1 Introduction

Head Start Performance Standards:
1304.23 (d); 1304.40 (a)(1);
1304.40 (f)(1-3)

NAEYC Accreditation Criteria: 
5.B

www.childhealthonline.org

Healthy Childcare Consultants, Inc.
2312 Chandawood Drive, Pelham, AL  35124-1229
Telephone 205-663-7402       FAX 205-621-2149

Contact Dr. Charlotte Hendricks

* The boxed thumbnail images are examples from the training module.