Child care programs have a significant role to play in helping children form nutritious eating and physical activity habits that will last a lifetime. There are many opportunities to encourage children to move their bodies and try new skills like running, skipping, dancing and climbing. Nutrition can be taught through food identification, gardening and other farm to early childhood program activities, including fruit and vegetable taste tests.
For Parents
Vermont child care programs are regulated by the state of Vermont’s Child Development Division. State licensing regulations include nutrition and physical activity regulations that ensure programs follow federal child nutrition guidelines and allow for moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 60 minutes per day. Many programs do even more to help children learn healthy habits. When considering child care programs or if your child is enrolled in a program already, discuss with the provider what their practices are regarding nutrition and physical activity to be sure it matches your expectations.
For Child Care Providers
Early childhood programs can encourage healthy eating habits by having water available at all times, encouraging families to include fruits and vegetables in the foods they provide and for programs that provide snacks or meals, following the Child and Adult Care Food Program guidance for menu planning.
Farm to Early Childhood programming is an excellent way to encourage young children to enjoy eating fresh, local fruits and vegetables while their preferences are still forming. This sets the stage for healthy eating habits that last a lifetime. This is accomplished by offering hands-on educational experiences with nutritious food, cooking, gardening, and exposure to local farms and foods systems. Children who participate in creating their own food are more likely to try it, adding more fruits and vegetables to the foods they enjoy. Things like early childhood program gardens also allow for physical activity outdoors while children help to tend the garden.
Young children should get at least 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. This can easily be accomplished outdoors and with indoor activities such as simple yoga poses, dancing and fun obstacle courses appropriate for the children in your care. Find more ideas for ways to keep children moving here.
