Dorothy Waide Centre Nutrition
Nutrition is essential for good health and growth of young children.
It is the role of this Early Childhood service to encourage children to develop appropriate habits for food preference. This can only be achieved if the child is exposed to a variety of foods.
Meal and snack times should be pleasant social occasions. Allowing the child to mix freely and to eat as needed. Recognition of the nutritional requirements of all children is important, and this is reflected in planning menus and also how and when children eat.
Nutritionally sound foods are essential for good health and growth of young children.
Our menu offers children the opportunity to develop appropriate habits for food preference, and is planned around recommended food groups and quantities for growing children.
Food is prepared according to low salt, low sugar recommendations.
We use fresh vegetables & fruit, and prefer foods that are not processed, pre-packeted, or pre-cooked.
• We have our morning tea at around 9.45 am.
• Lunch is at 11am, for our Nursery, 11.30am for our toddlers and the older children have theirs at 12.
• Afternoon tea is at 3.30 pm.
Drinks are offered at all meals; during outside playtime, and on demand.
Children are offered Water, Whole Milk and Lite Milk.
Our menu is on display in the foyer. If you have any comments on the food we offer the children – we welcome the feedback.
Children are encouraged to eat the food offered, but we do not insist. Alternatives are always offered to children who will not eat the‘ days fare’. We do however encourage all the children to try new tastes & food they may resist as it helps develop
their palate towards more sensible eating.
We provide food according to this guide:
• Provide children with a wide variety of healthy and nutritious foods for meals and snacks including fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereal products, dairy products, lean meats and alternatives.
• Plan and display the service menu that is based on sound menu planning principles and meets the daily nutritional needs of children whilst in care.
• Plan healthy snacks on the menu to complement what is served at mealtimes and ensure the snacks are substantial enough to meet the energy and nutrient needs of children.
• Vary the meals and snacks on the menu to keep children interested and to introduce children to a range of healthy food ideas.
Provide a positive eating environment which reflects cultural and family values
The service will:
• Ensure that educators sit with the children at meal and snack times to role model healthy food and drink choices and actively engage children in conversations about the food and drink provided.
• Endeavour to recognise, nurture and celebrate the dietary differences of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Create a relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes where children have enough time to eat and enjoy their food as well as enjoying the social interactions with educators and other children.
• Encourage older toddlers and preschoolers to assist to set and clear the table and serve their own food and drink- providing opportunities for them to develop independence and selfesteem.
• Respect each child’ s appetite. If a child is not hungry or is satisfied, do not insist he / she eats.
• Be patient with messy or slow eaters.
• Encourage children to try different foods but do not force them to eat.
• Do not use food as a reward or withhold food from children for disciplinary purposes.
Dorothy Waide Centre Nutrition
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Handbook for Parents Griffith Child Care Centre Inc 15