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Checklist: Toddlers' Daycare Feeding
by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D.
reviewed and revised by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Schedule- Is there a feeding schedule? Look for feedings 2-3 hours apart.
- Is an adequate volume of food provided?
- If your child goes for 4-7 hours a day, the program should provide 2-3 meals (which includes substantial snacks).
- if your child attends 8 or more hours, the program should provide 3-4 meals/snacks. Snacks should be substantial, not a couple of saltines.
Food Choices- Are fruits and vegetables offered? Children need at least 5 servings a day. The number of serving depends on the length of time in daycare and the size of the serving depends on the child's age.
- Is milk offered with meals/snacks? Juice is not an appropriate substitute, because most juices provide little or no protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
- If your child is lactose intolerant, or if you have decided on a non-dairy diet, is soy milk available as an alternative to milk?
- Are sweet foods ("junk food") offered in small quantities only?
- Is a variety of foods offered?
- Are there foods from different cultures?
- As a parent, can you have a role in selecting the menu?
Food Preparation- Are unsweetened, iron fortified cereals used?
Are the foods prepared without added sugar or salt?
- Does the program make accommodations for children with special diet needs?
- Is the food preparation carried out in a clean kitchen, far from toileting or diaper-changing activities, with good handwashing?
- Does the staff follow safe food preparation practices?
Setting- Is the setting clean and well-lit
- Is the furniture appropriate for your child's age? Laps or infant seats for infants, high chairs for toddlers, and small-sized chairs and tables for preschool children?
Interactions- Are mealtimes pleasant?
- Do the teachers sit with the children to eat, and do they talk with the children during meals?
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Created September 16, 2000
Reviewed and revised September 30, 2004
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