Managing Illness in Child Care Facilities

Before diving into nutritional practices, it's crucial to maintain a healthy environment. When outbreaks of illness occur, child care centers must be proactive. Providers should utilize report forms to notify local health units of any cases and follow guidelines for confidentiality. Key tools include the “Outbreak Line List” and “Outbreak Management and Control Guide,” which help providers navigate illness management effectively. Signs to indicate increased illness levels and a flow chart to determine when to contact health units are essential resources.

Nutrition Practices that Shape the Future

Child care providers hold significant responsibility in deciding what foods to offer, when meals are served, and where eating takes place. However, it is equally important to empower children in their food choices by allowing them to decide:

Which foods to eat from the provided options.

How much to consume.

To support this initiative, Ontario Dietitians in Public Health have partnered with child care professionals to create a suite of interactive nutrition resources. These tools are intended to:

Enhance the food literacy skills of daycare staff in planning nutritious menus.

Assist in self-assessing menus to ensure a variety of healthy choices.

Develop policies that encourage healthy eating environments.

The newly launched Child Care Menu Planning - Practical Guide stands out as a valuable resource. It provides guidelines to ensure that all meals and snacks comply with Canada’s Food Guide and meet the standards set by the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014. By aligning with these frameworks, providers can create supportive nutrition environments beneficial for children's growth.

Resources for Enriching Nutritional Knowledge

Caregivers are encouraged to explore the “Paint Your Plate with Vegetables and Fruit” Toolkit, which offers recipes, activity cards, and promotional materials designed to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into meals. Resources like these can transform mealtime into an exciting and educational experience for children.

Recognizing Signs of Hunger and Fullness

Understanding children's hunger cues is vital for encouraging healthy eating. The “Trust Me, Trust My Tummy” video is a fantastic resource for teaching caregivers to recognize signs of hunger and fullness in children aged 6 to 24 months, fostering a healthy approach to eating habits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, child care settings have a pivotal role in promoting healthy eating and managing illness. By utilizing available resources, staff can create an enriching environment that nurtures children's health both physically and emotionally. Start building a healthier future for the children in your care today!