The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59507

Catherine Cowell, PhD, Columbia University, 730 Riverside Drive, Apt. 3-B, New York, NY 10031, 212-234-5416, cc34@columbia.edu

It is projected that the number of infants, toddlers and preschool children in child care will continue to increase from currently 14 million due to the changing workforce and impact of welfare reform. This pediatric population reflects a range of ethnic, socio-economic and cultural families in a variety of child care environments with providers who deliver multiservices including meals and snacks. The national health and safety performance standards, Caring for Our Children, 2nd Ed. is a comprehensive guide to provide quality care irrespective of the setting. Specifically the central focus of the nutrition standards is to provide a variety of healthy foods that are clean and safe, age appropriate, culturally acceptable that promote physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. Individual standards on meal/snack patterns, categories of food, feeding plans, developmentally appropriate seating and utensils, and socialization during meals are venues to influence what young children eat and drink while in child care. Nutrition services under the guidance of a trained Nutritionist/Registered Dietitian are pivotal to developing a strategy. Using tools of assessment of height, weight, body mass index (BMI), food/medical records, staff and parent conferences, growth and development can be monitored. When indicated by physical assessment, intervention can occur after consultation with staff and parents. Thus early intervention can promote a nutrition plan while fostering action in the form of movement and play among young children. Presentation of two cases shows a practical approach to prevention of overweight in young children in child care.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. To promote a framework for partnerships of child care providers, parents and nutrition specialists to address food and nutrition problems of young children in child care focusing on prevention of overweight
• 2. To develop practical strategies of early intervention around food, eating and action (movement and play) to prevent overweight in young children in out﷓of﷓home environments
• 3. To understand the interrelationships of early childhood development and nutrition as a preventive health initiative.

Keywords: Child Care, Obesity

Related Web page: nrc.uchsc.edu

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Academy of Pediatrics American Public Health Association National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.