Child Care

Childcare and healthy eating

Last Updated Nov 18, 2008 03:02 PM

Childcare and healthy eating
Some children can spend long periods of time in childcare. That means they eat a lot of their meals and snacks away from parental supervision. It's important that children in care eat nutritious meals and are educated about healthy food and diet. Research has shown that some children in care may not get enough of some important dietary nutrients.

Childcare centres and carers should be familiar with hygiene and nutrition standards and food safety laws. They should have policies and menu plans available for you to read and comment on.

Types of childcare
There are many types of childcare options available for children under five years including:

Long day childcare centres (LDCCC)
Occasional care and preschool
Family day care
Extended family care (especially grandparents).
More than 50,000 children in Victoria attend long day care on a part-time or full-time basis. Long day care is defined as spending at least eight hours per day in childcare.

Meals and snacks
Mealtime arrangements can vary. Some centres provide all meals and snacks, others ask the families to provide meals for their children. Long day childcare rules state that childcare centres must provide one meal and two snacks per day. Often this will be morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Some centres also serve breakfast.

Guidelines for nutrition and health standards
The National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) provides national guidelines for childcare, which cover all areas of care. These guidelines contain information on quality care including standards of discipline, hygiene, programming, communication, food and nutrition. Some of the issues covered include:
Respect - show respect for all children.
Environment - provide a pleasant, culturally appropriate atmosphere for children at mealtimes that encourages social interaction and learning. Culture - provide culturally appropriate meals, food and drink for children.
Nutrition - promote healthy eating and good food habits.
Hygiene - have staff trained in correct food handling and hygiene.

Nutrition research
Australian research shows some children in childcare do not have enough healthy food for their energy needs. They may get less iron, calcium and zinc than the recommended levels for children in childcare. Children get 38 to 52 per cent of their day's total nutrient intake from lunch and snacks. Some children may consume close to two thirds (or more) of their total food intake while they're in childcare, so good nutrition is important.

Mealtime environment should be relaxed
The mealtime atmosphere and the attitude and behaviour of childcare workers are just as important as the nutritional content of the food they provide. Children should be relaxed and happy when they are eating. Children learn about food preferences and how to eat from others. Meals are often shared with carers and other children. Childcare workers should develop and encourage healthy eating patterns and attitudes to food.

Food provided varies
Childcare centres provide different levels of food service. Some provide in-house food and some food is brought from home. Childcare centres that serve food should provide the following:
Correct storage of baby milk formula and expressed breast milk
Correct preparation of baby milk formula and breast milk for feeds
Safe use of microwave ovens for heating food and drinks
Cooks and staff trained in correct food service techniques
Staff trained in menu planning.

Food hygiene is essential
Careful preparation of food and correct food handling techniques are important. Food hygiene standards in childcare centres need to be maintained by:
Correct food handling by children and staff
Adequate hand washing by staff and children
Correct use of serving utensils
Correct sharing of food at tables (for example, when fruit platters are shared).
Food regulations and preschools
Local council health departments can provide help and advice regarding food safety in childcare centres.

In Victoria, the requirements of the Food Act 1984 do not apply to preschools where parents or carers bring food to the preschool.

When your child takes along fruit or vegetables for morning tea or takes their own lunch, the preschool is not subject to the Food Act requirements, even if the preschool staff or parents cut up the fruit and vegetables and place them on a platter to be shared. However, everyone should follow the basic hygiene rules of hand washing.

Menus should be on display
A childcare centre nutrition policy should provide guidelines for meal service to cooks, staff and parents. Australian studies show that most centres do have a nutrition policy. Regulations require that menus are on display and that you are able to provide feedback on meals provided. One study indicated that 70 per cent of parents believe they had no say in the food given to their children at mealtimes.

Food allergies
On very rare occasions, a life-threatening situation for children with severe food allergy can occur within a childcare setting. Many centres have a food allergy policy in order to limit the risk associated with severe food allergy reactions.

Dental health
Good eating habits early in life are very important. Children who consume high sugar foods and drinks risk tooth decay. Around 50 per cent of all primary school children seen by the School Dental Service in Victoria have signs of dental decay. Nutrition policies in childcare centres should include dental health guidelines. Key principles should include:
Baby feeding bottles should not contain sweet drinks.
Baby feeding bottles should not be used to settle children at rest times.
Sugary snacks should be limited.
Advice for parents on healthy meals, snacks and drinks should be available.
Children should not get sweet foods as rewards for good behaviour.
Teeth brushing should be encouraged after meals.

Safety
Safety at mealtimes is important. Centres should follow these basic food safety rules:
Food should be the correct size so that children can chew and swallow their food easily.
Nuts should be avoided.
Children should not be force-fed.
Children should be seated quietly at mealtimes.
Children should be supervised when eating.

Where to get help
Your doctor
Your local council
Your Maternal and Child Health nurse
Community dietitian
Royal Children's Hospital Tel. (03) 9345 5522
Things to remember
Children eat a large proportion of their daily food consumption in childcare.
Childcare centres should adhere to hygiene regulations and nutrition standards.
Childcare centres should provide healthy meals for your children.

See also Child Care 378 1 - 13