i was wondering does anyone know the rules about meals and snacks at day care facilities?

Question

my kids go to day care. my youngest all day and my two oldest as after schoolers. They are suppose to recieve an afternoon snack. But i have seen the director issue out a snack but i would not consider it a snack. for example i seen her have a package of chesse and peanut butter crakers passing out one to each child. i asked my kids about it and they say they only got one craker a piece. and then some days they say they did not recieve a snack at all. does anyone now of where i can look up any info about this regulation or does anyone know about this.

oh and im in TX....

Answer 1

I work as a nursery cook in the UK in an establishment that is open from 7.45 til 18.00hrs the children receive breakfast at 9am, a full home cooked lunch and pudding at 12pm then at 3.30 they get a light snack, usually sandwiches and fruit or cheese and crackers, not a full on evening meal just something to tide them over until they get home BUT they do all get 3 meals as we have to work on the fact that some children go home and DONT get anything to eat so our meals have to be nutritionally balanced and they get their 5 a day portion of fruit and vegetables, all our meals are cooked on the premises from scratch everyday and we have to take into consideration special dietary requirements any child may have too.

My youngest child goes to the Nursery that I work at so I know that he is getting fed but if I were in your situation and had my child coming home saying they hadnt eaten I would definately approach somebody about this after all you're paying for the childcare. It maybe that they cook or whatever system gets used is not preparing enough for the amount of children on the site. If after you have approached somebody it still continues then I would seriously consider an alternative placement for your children afterall it would seem the basic nutritional need of the child is not being met.

Answer 2

It varies by state and provance but Where I live it is manditory that there be two snack periods (one before lunch one after-I have a home daycare and they get a 10am snack, 12pm dinner, 3pm snack and are usually picked up by 430-5), even if there is not young children NEED to snack, they have much smaller tummies than adults and so they fill up quicker and much smaller portions. If a child in my care do not eat his snack he is usually a holy terror when he does get hungry for it and is fine once he eats. A regular and predictable food time is essential, they should be spaced 2 -3hrs apart to keep the child from getting cranky and acting out from hunger.

I believe that a licensed daycare has to follow the food guide for portion sizes and standards though. It does not cost a daycare in the states to feed the children, they are reimberssed for those expenses if they keep a record of the food consumed. One cracker is defintly NOT enough to sustain them.

Good snacks (always served with milk, water or whole fruit juice) that are recomended by most states food guidlines for childcare are:

Muffin
crackers with spread
bananabread with cream cheese
Grapes or raisins, crackers and cheese
carrot bread
english muffins, peanut spread
cut fruits or vegitables such as apples, carrots or bananas

Generally a snack includes 1 item from 2 food groups (between the snacks and meals all food groups and daily needs should be met)

Answer 3

In order to get my Child development Associate, one of my task was to contact the state agency that regulates child care center, which i found in the phone book int he government pages, under children and family services. From them, you can request a copy of current regulations. It probably differs from state to state, but i took a look at the regulations in alaska and this is the basic gist of it:
1. All meals, including snacks, should be planed in advance and posted in on open are to visitors and reflect actual food served.
2. A child care facility "may not deny a meal or snack to a child..."

It doesn't say much about amount; however, a reputable day care should follow U.S.D.A guidelines regarding serving sizes.

You should really check to see if your day care is regulated or accredited. For example, i work on an air force base, so we are not only regulated by Air Force standards and policies, but we are also accredited through NAEYC-National Association for the Education of Young Children. I've heard stories of day cares that are not...and you should steer away from them.

Answer 4

That is just unexceptable. I was a teacher at a local daycare and I would feed a one-year-old more than that. If they get reimbursement from a federal child care program for the meals and snacks that they serve, I would find out the one in your area and report them. A meal should have A SERVING from four food groups, and a snack atleast three. I would find a new day care. Who knows what else they are slacking on.

Answer 5

I obsess too, and that i can assist you already know that that may no longer too plenty. If it retains you finished, it is adequate, yet once you're ever hungry, only consume. i'm going to supply you an occasion of what I consume, considering you asked- Breakfast: Oatmeal with banana and cinnamon, and an apple. possibly a tumbler of soymilk if i'm nevertheless hungry. Lunch: A peanut butter sandwich on sprouted flourless entire grain bread. Fruit salad and straightforward yogurt on the component. Snack: Berries and doubtless a splash area skim cheese. Or an apple and peanut butter (organic of direction). Or a pear and a handful of almonds. easily only a fruit and a protein source. Dinner: in many circumstances a salad with poultry and sliced egg. Or i'm going to have some fish, vegetables, and brown rice. regardless of sounds good. desire I helped!

Answer 6

I think it varies from state to state and from day care to day care. In daycare I was using they provided snacks few times a day, but parents were suppose to bring lunch. Beside lunch I had always gave my girl some snacks to her day care too, just to be sure. Many of parents I know that use other facilities also give their kids snacks or lunch boxes to day care. It is a lot of hassle and extra $$, but this way you can be sure they have enough to eat plus you can give them healthier snacks, like fruits.

Answer 7

In Ohio, I know we were required to give snacks during the day. We had one between breakfast and lunch and one after lunch and nap. However, I can't say if that's different by state or if there is a set amount the daycare has to give.

Answer 8

Rules probably vary by state. I don't think they are required to provide a snack UNLESS it is in your contract that they will. Call your local health department. They will have all the information you need about daycare regulations.

Answer 9

You can look into regulations, but if you are worried about your children not getting a snack, or not enough... pack something for them.

Answer 10

we cant answer this. you need to ask the school your kids very well could be lying to you. and dont say your little angels wouldnt lie to you they do all kids lie. even mine

talk to the school could be a funding shortage. we cant answer this though as we dont work for your school. not all centers are state run and those that arent dont have to follow all the state guidelines