Nutrition

The following guidelines will be enforced at Cozy Time:

• Any allergies, dietary restrictions (note this does not mean dislikes) or cultural considerations, will be accommodated and posted in all classrooms and the kitchen.
• Records for all children under one year will contain written instructions from a parent of the child with regard to feeding.
• Children one year of age or older who are present at meal time are provided a meal unless special dietary and feeding instructions are on file.
• Children one year of age or older are provided between meal snacks unless special dietary and feeding instructions are on file.
• Drinking water is readily available to the children (e.g., water bottles for each child, disposable cups and running water, etc.)
• Each meal includes at least four food groups
• Each snack includes at least two food groups
• Opportunities are present for children to prepare and serve food
• Opportunities to develop and enhance socialization skills, self-regulation, and language skills are kept in mind during meal times.
• At Cozy Time we promote good eating habits by:
• Providing nutritious food and beverages that incorporate family and cultural preferences.
• Creating positive eating environments with foods and portion sizes that are responsive to children’s cues of hunger and fullness.

• Providing suitable child-sized tables and chairs.
• Supplying dishes and eating utensils that are attractive, durable and of suitable size and shape for small hands.
• Ensuring that dishes and utensils match the children’s capabilities so that they can graduate from bowls and spoons to forks and plates.
• Providing a quiet time just before meals so that the atmosphere can be friendly and relaxed at meal time.
• Avoiding delays in food services so that the children will not have to sit and wait.
• Serving foods family style, where possible, with small groups of children and at least one adult sit around a table and serve themselves.
• Providing an opportunity for children to leave the table if they become restless before the meal is over.
• Encouraging children to practice self-care skills (e.g. feeding themselves) and help with food preparation, distribution etc.
• Setting a good example by having a positive approach to new foods and pleasant table manners.
• Being prepared for spills and calmly cleaning up and offering reassurance when they happen.
• Encouraging interesting conversation and modelling language related to food, drink and eating to support communication development.