ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

Healthy living has become the theme of the 2004-2005 school year at Imagine Early Learning Centers.

Starting in the Fall of 2004 Imagine started a "healthy snacks" campaign. We removed some old standards from our snack menus like graham crackers and gold fish in favor of healthy crackers free of hydrogenated oils and trans fats. Puffed wheat and whole grain cereals were also added in addition to increasing concentration on fruits and vegetables.
Teachers are also working with parents to increase the healthy content of foods brought in from home, as well as limiting nuts and other foods associated with common food allergies.

Outdoor and indoor gross motor activites continue to be a focus at Imagine. Dance, stratching, gymnastics and yoga classes are among the physical curriculum highlights. Several active parents have volunteered their time to teach physical classes or join us for gym activities.

Finally, for the first time Imagine's Assistant Directors were in charge of planning our annual Fall staff conference. The theme was health and wellness. Presenters conducted sessions on stress reduction, yoga, pilates, Nia, massage, and meditation. Staff learned how to use techniques to reduce their own stress as well as incorportating the strategies in the classroom with their children.

This a request: I would be interested in more info from Robin Rick (Epworth Preschool and Daycare). "Nutritious snacks that the children prepare themselves" sounds like a winner!

We live in an area where almost everyone is physically active in outdoor recreation, so because parents include their children in their activities - skiing, hiking, etc.. children are also active and therefore obesity isn't really an issue for our kids.

The babies are at the mercy of the adults, I have taken care of twins, and as soon as they are 8-12 months, they explore tasting food. Veges, freshly cooked. Fresh fruit they suck out of a muslin cloth. The first tasting of veges, fruit, need to be introduced, and build up to toddlers stage. Habits are formed by tasting a variety of fruit and vege. Fish, beef, is added to fresh veges for taste at first. The infant and toddlers meals are build on these basic food. Exercises are added, after meals and rest is the pattern that the babies growth is analyse during rest. BICS and CALP are explored as early as infant stage. The first word from the babies I care and work with is 'ataata' means smile, in three languages. I picked up the sounds they make and ask parents what they mean. Eating habits are formed and then build in the child's character. What an amazing learning experiences we are all having. The pattern of eating, tasting, resting are very important as the child is developing with a holistic approach of caring and loving. Life begins at birth, followed by many disciplines of learning and growing. Pen Name. Olly T80.

The Healthy Child Care Ohio program provides FREE consultations & on-site visits to child care homes & providers to address nutrition issues. We discuss menu ideas, preparation methods & activities as easy ways to incorporate nutrition education opportunities into a child's day. However, the biggest obstacle may be a providers' attitude toward nutrition! Providers should lead by example: eating meals with children from the same menu, snacking on healthy choices ("snacks" can be fruits & vegetables - not just treats/junk food), moving around with the children during activities rather than sitting, showing an enthusiasm for new, healthy foods (turning your nose-up at a food prompts the children to do the same) & finally, having a good understanding of nutrition guidelines & why they are important to a child's growth & development. The examples you set now, could influence a child's healthy habits for a lifetime!