Healthy habits are developed at a young age which can positively impact health and well-being throughout life. Children’s eating habits, including consumption of fruits and vegetables, are determined by many factors including their food environment in the home or childcare setting. Some research has indicated that children can receive up to two-thirds of their daily nutrition from childcare facilities; therefore, it is essential for childcare settings to have a healthy food environment.
In a recent paper published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, the impact of childcare providers’ nutrition knowledge, confidence, and perceived barriers on nutrition program best practices and nutrition policies were assessed. In this study, the researchers surveyed 49 female childcare providers working with children aged 2-5 in Oklahoma. The survey collected measures of nutrition knowledge, confidence in performing optimal nutrition practice, nutrition and physical assessment, and written nutrition policies at each site. The study concluded that providers’ nutrition knowledge and confidence were related to improved nutrition practices including setting guidelines for food and beverages offered, not using food for reward, creating a healthy mealtime environment, and offering education for families regarding child nutrition. Although, having 6 or fewer nutrition policies was not associated with caregiver’s confidence level, knowledge, or perceived barriers. This may be imparted from the partnership under the federal program of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which requires the facilities to maintain specific nutrition policies. However, it’s important to note that having written nutrition policies has been linked to better nutrition practices in childcare facilities in previous studies. Therefore, having these written policies remains an important tool for promoting healthy practices.
Take home message: Understanding how childcare providers handle nutrition in their facilities can provide parents with valuable insights into how these caregivers ensure the best possible nutrition for children. Additionally, advocating for healthier nutrition practices within childcare facilities can encourage and support optimal healthy practices which can promote healthy eating habits at the childcare facility. Awareness of existing policies can empower parents to be well-informed and proactive in ensuring optimal nutrition practices for their children while cared for within childcare facilities.
Reference: Patel SM, et al. Family Child Care Providers’ Nutrition Practices and Policies: Happy Healthy Homes. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2021;53(12):1066-1071. doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2021.08.007. Accessed October 6, 2023.
