Importance Of Nutrition, Sleep, And Early Childhood Education On Children’s Health

Criteria for Superior Work in a Course

1. How do you write a question that meets the “A” criteria?

To receive the most benefit from a course, students should attempt to meet the “A” criteria. Students who receive an “A” submit work that reflects superior organizational skills in content, format and written communication. They will answer all aspects of the question and demonstrate and show understanding of course content and theory. An answer, which shows the most depth of understanding, will integrate course content, readings and experiences.  Whenever possible, students should use appropriate personal experiences to round out their question. This demonstrates comprehension and helps the student reflect and integrate early childhood practice into their daily lives. Students should also provide examples to define and clarify the meaning of their responses. An “A” criteria answer reflects research by properly acknowledging references (Pacific Rim Student Information Package, 2022). Research can be done though online journal articles or in libraries. There are also many useful links on our link page at www.earlychildhoodeducator.com. All responses that from the textbooks, course materials, and external resources must be paraphrased (do not use direct quotes), cited, and referenced in APA. 

References

Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute. (2022). Student Handbook Information Package. Retrieved January 20, 2022 from https://www.earlychildhoodeducator.com/static/downloads/Student_Handbook_Information_Package.pdf

1. List five environmental factors that have a negative effect on health, and five environmental factors that have a positive effect on health.

Five environmental factors that negatively affect health are: Pollution, Climate change, water quality, access to healthcare, exposure to harmful substances in the air (smoke) (WHO, 2022).

Five environmental factors that positively affect health are: Natural aesthetic (open parks, clear skies) reduces fatigue and stress, seasonal change (promotes adaptation in different environmental condition), flora, fauna, access to food (Shute et al., 2018).

2. Explain how heredity contributes to health.

The genetic information that is obtained from each parent determines the inheritance of a “disease” gene or a “healthy” gene. The inheritance of genes that protects an individual against a certain disease contributes positively towards the health of that individual. The immune system of an individual is also strongly influenced by the genes that are inherited from one’s parents. Moreover, heredity determines the muscle composition, fat distribution, metabolism and other factors that are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in addition to the environmental factors (KCL, 2017; Wojcik et al., 2018).

3. The consumption of food is essential for life and has a direct effect on a child’s nutritional status, behaviour, health and development. List four critical roles that the body uses nutrients for.

The body uses nutrients for: Energy production, generation of new cells, functioning of organ systems, maintaining health, metabolism (Chen et al., 2018).

4. Explain why an abundant food supply does not assure good nutrition for everyone.

Abundance of food supply does not assure good nutrition for everyone due to the disparity in food distribution among the various social classes. Economic condition of some population that cannot access good quality food suffer from the consequences of poor nutrition. Moreover, majority of the food produced is processed to unhealthy form that does not positively affect the health of the consumer. In addition, loss of food during transportation further deteriorates the condition of food availability.

Factors Affecting Health

5. Explain how illness affects a child’s nutritional needs. How does nutrition impact learning?

Nutrition plays an important role in the holistic development of a child so that a healthy lifestyle can be maintained. Proper nutrition for a child ensured by the parent or guardian focuses on providing the individual with good quality of health for the promotion of disease prevention and improved health condition. When a child is ill, the nutritional requirements are altered from the daily requirements. As children are not immunologically strong, the nutrition from food aids in strengthening their immune system. Altered nutritional needs focus on re-energizing the child through improved absorption of specific nutrients such as protein, fiber-rich food and other substances as recommended by the pediatrician (Tume et al., 2020).

Studies have suggested that nutrition plays an important role in a child’s learning through its impact on their intelligence quotient (IQ). For example, breast milk which is the source of nutrition and energy for a new-born child, has been shown to result in lower prevalence of obesity in children that were breastfed. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization children that were breastfed were shown to perform better on intelligence tests (WHO, 2021). In addition, diets high in saturated fats affect the memory and learning of children. Poor nutrition in children has been shown to impair the neural development lowering the IQ in children and leads to learning disabilities in them (Hurley et al., 2016).

1. Why is sleep important and how much sleep should preschool age children have each day? What are some ways in which a child, who refuses to sleep, can be encouraged to rest quietly?

Sleep provides the body with the opportunity to rest and repair the cells that were damaged during the daily activities. It is also important for the overall development of a child as a well-rested individual will have better mood, more energy and good development and better attention. A preschool aged child should have ten to thirteen hours of sleep (Dawkins, 2018).

If a child refuses to sleep, they can be encouraged to rest quietly through reading them their favorite story or playing peaceful music and making the environment where they sleep peaceful through soft lighting.  

2. Would it be realistic to expect an 11-month-old infant to be toilet trained?   Should parents be concerned if their 9-month-old infant cannot sit up without support?  Explain.

No, it is not a realistic and appropriate expectation for an 11-month-old infant to be toilet trained as they have not developed to the point where they are able to communicate if they need to use the washroom. Parents should not be concerned if their 9-month-old infant is unable to sit up straight without support as there is a difference in development among children and it is not concerning if the child is not able to reach this developmental milestone (CDC, 2022).

3. How can early childhood educator’s observations benefit the health of a child?

An early childhood educator observes the development of children and they ensure that it is progressing as expected. The observations by an early childhood educator improves the social and cognitive development of children. The interventions that are developed by these educators based on their observations of a child can act as a protection against future disease and disability onset and improve the child’s overall development. Moreover, the educator’s observations provide the children with the opportunity to be school-ready and secure health, income and employment (CDC, 2016).

Role of Genetics in Health

4. Your text notes the importance of correct posture and body mechanics for both children and adults. List three practices that you can do with children to support this learning.

The child can be encouraged to sit and stand tall which would allow the functioning of correct postural muscles. – The child will be guided to sit properly on a chair. -They can be encouraged to stand with their feet placed flat on the floor and a little apart (George, 2022).

5. Children’s oral health is an important component of their overall health. Learning to brush their teeth in the correct manner contributes to oral health.  List five ways of making this routine fun for children.

The child could be demonstrated how a good oral health looks like through setting a good example. – The child would be introduced to a brushing routine and they will be encouraged to follow it. – Good examples from the child’s favorite cartoon or poem could be played as the child brushes their teeth to improve their interest in the activity. – The child could also be allowed to practice brushing their teeth using a toothbrush and toothpaste flavor that they like, this would promote autonomy and increase their enthusiasm. – The child could be rewarded for completing the task.

1. Sometimes early childhood educators are the first to notice signs of chronic diseases and medical conditions. It is important to never diagnose the child or alarm the parent.  Instead, the parent should be referred to a specialist.  Why are many chronic health problems difficult to identify in the young child?

Several chronic health problems do not show early signs in childhood unlike those that can be easily detected by practitioners or early childhood educators such as asthma or developmental disorders. The reason for this could be associated with the lack of research focusing on signs and symptoms that can be detected in children that would aid in the early identification of such chronic illnesses. Moreover, lack of strong communication skill by the child can also result in delayed identification of a condition as the severity of the condition is not assessed earlier (Barbara et al., 2015; Wijlaars, Gilbert & Hardelid, 20).

2. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to certain substances (e.g., bee stings, medications and certain foods) that can cause difficulty breathing, itching, unconsciousness and possible death. How would you respond to an incident of anaphylaxis?

The first step would be the confirmation that the child is having an anaphylactic reaction. After confirmation, the emergency service would be contacted. The child would be injected appropriate dosage of adrenaline that is administered by the paramedics. Moreover, the ECE staff could follow the appropriate action plan such as the ASCIA tool for management of anaphylaxis (NSW, 2022; Anagnostou, 2018).

3. What three factors must be present for an infection to be communicable?

The three factors that are necessary for an infection to be communicable are: The source of infection, a susceptible person and a mode of transmission of the infectious agent (CDC, 2016).  

Nutrients and Their Functions

4. Describe specific practices and policies that caregivers can use to limit the spread of illnesses transmitted via: the respiratory tract, the fecal-oral route, skin conditions and contaminated objects; e.g., toys, towels, changing mats.

For limiting the spread of illness transmitted via the respiratory tract the caregivers can encourage good hygiene practices within children such as sneezing and coughing while covering their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue and discarding it in the bin. The practice of hand washing would also promote the prevention of disease. Similarly, for limiting the spread of illnesses transmitted via the fecal-oral route, practice of good hand hygiene would be a good practice to encourage among the children- washing their hands with soap and water for twenty seconds and drying them on a clean cloth or tissue would break the transmission cycle. Moreover, the caregivers could ensure safe food-handling and monitor the water intake of children, paying attention that they do not drink from non-potable source. The prevention of transmission via skin conditions can be encouraged by caregivers through avoiding skin to skin contact with possible surfaces of infection and promoting good hygiene. Lastly, for limiting the spread of illness transmitted via contaminated objects could be achieved through decontaminating common surfaces and objects such as toys, changing mats by using disinfectants and towels (through washing them frequently after use). Lastly, to limit the spread of any of the illnesses transmitted via the common routes, the caregivers must follow the exclusion policies and remind the parents to follow them as well (RPH, 2022).

5. Given your knowledge of communicable illnesses, why is it unwise for educators and parents to ignore exclusion policies?

It is unwise for educators and parents to ignore exclusion policies as it puts the other individuals (other staff, children and parents) at a risk of contracting the disease. Therefore, it is imperative that parents and educators follow the exclusion policy when a child or staff member is ill and excluding them from the social setting to limit the spread of communicable diseases (RPH, 2022).

1. Name and describe five features of a quality child care program.

Child-teacher interaction: A quality child care program has care providers who interact positively with children and promote communication.

• Size of the group: A small group of children under one provider helps the care provider to pay equal attention to each child and decreases the burden on them.
• Environment: A quality child care program should have a rich learning environment that has a mix of fun, educational and creative activities. The areas must also be safe, clean and healthy.
• Child development and health: A good care program will have providers that ensure health screenings of children and observe the child to track their development.
• Appropriate curriculum: The program must have knowledgeable staff who are trained to develop curriculum that allows the child to meet their learning requirements and keeps clear communication with the parents (Childcare.gov, 2022).

2. How does environment affect a child’s growth and development?

The environment that the child grows and learns in influences their overall development. The most important influencing factor is the family and bonding provided within the family protects the child emotionally, physically and helps in their nurture. Positive family relations demonstrated around the child and with the child creates a secure bond with them, demonstrating the importance of secure attachments and influences their confidence. Moreover, the physical environment that the child grows up in influences their personality and unpleasant surrounding can promote them to neglect negativity and discourage them to communicate. Within a learning environment, positive affirmations, stimulation of child’s mental growth through creating learning opportunities can positively affect their holistic development.

3. Name three features that help to make an outdoor play yard safe for young children.

Challenges to Accessing Good Nutrition

Inspection and maintenance of the play area.

• Encouraging the children to learn about playground safety.
• Considering the safe equipment guidelines for activities such as sliding, swinging, climbing and frequently carrying out safety checks to ensure there is no hazard.

4. There have been several news items recently with regard to children being injured or neglected in child care centres. 

• In BC, an infant was injured at a daycare centre.  The mother was told when she picked the child up that the child had fallen and injured her face;
• In BC, a child walked away from the daycare centre and was found dead in a neighbouring pool;
• In Manitoba, a child was left at a park during a field trip; and
• In Quebec, a child was left outside in the rain and the mother discovered her when she picked the child up. 

What are the precautions an educator can take to ensure that these situations do not happen, and how would you respond if a child was lost or injured while you were in charge?

An educator can allow the kids to explore their environment while monitoring them to avoid any injury. This ensures that the educator is performing their duty of care. The children must be introduced to all the security staff and they must be informed about the harm of wandering without an adult to prevent the accidents. In addition, the educator must be alert about signs that a child may wander away. Keeping a check of students that attended the field trip frequently would be a good precaution to avoid leaving any child behind during a field trip. Constantly keeping a check on the activities of the children will also help the educator to avoid such incidences. Similarly, informing the students about the ill effects of staying out in extreme weather would provide them with the knowledge of returning indoors during rain. Moreover, the educator must ensure all the kids are brought inside during rain or snowfall or extreme heat and they must keep checking in on the children to ensure they are comfortable.

If a child was injured while I was in charge, I would immediately carry out the first aid and if the injury is serious, I would inform the emergency services and inform the parents about the incident immediately. In case a child was lost when I was in charge, I would immediately inform the supervisors, parents and the police so that the child can be found as soon as possible. While the police and parents arrive, I would conduct the search with the security staff as there is a probability the child would not have wandered far off.

 5. What should be included in emergency supplies, and how can children be prepared for an event like an earthquake or fire?

The emergency supplies should contain a first aid kit, food and water, plastic cups, zip-lock bags, charged phone, money for emergency, emergency information about the children and important contacts.

The children must be informed about natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, storm and blizzards and what to do when a natural disaster occurs. The children must also be informed about fire hazards and what to do in case there is a fire. In addition, emergency drills for earthquake and fire must be performed frequently such as in the span of a few months so that children are aware of the steps that must be taken in such a situation.

6. List some common choking hazards for young children, and the symptoms of choking.

Common choking hazards for children include toys (small parts of toys), food items (large portion of food that the child cannot chew completely), household items and other objects that can easily be swallowed by them. The symptoms of choking in a child are displayed by inability to speak and make noise- they also become unable to cough which results in lack of oxygen that is displayed as bluish lips, nails and skin. This also results in inability to respire.

Nutrition for Child Development

7. Describe the first aid treatment necessary for an eye injury.

Before touching the eyes area of a child, the educator or a parent must wash their hands and flush the eyes of the child as soon as possible. Pressure must not be applied to the injured area and if there is an object that has injured the eye, it must not be removed by anyone other than the doctor. After performing the basic first aid, the child must be taken to a doctor so that professional treatment can be carried out.

1. Write a one-minute public service announcement 120-180 words) for radio and television alerting the community to the problems of child abuse and neglect. How will you ensure this announcement would be culturally appropriate for Indigenous families?

“Childhood shapes the individual we grow into. Some young lives are being harmed by abuse and neglect that can lead to significant problems in their future. Children who are a victim of sexual abuse, emotional abuse or physical abuse are less likely to develop normally like those who do not experience these incidents. There have been increasing incidences of child abuse and neglect. But as a community we can prevent this event from happening by taking action that can be combined to make a safer environment for our children. By working together as a community, we can play a part in promoting the well-being of our children and strengthen families by reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect. Find out how you can play a part by contacting (local information) today at (phone number that is associated with the organization) or go to Australian Institute of Family Studies website.”

2. List five clues that would help caregivers recognize a child who is being abused.

When a child shows sudden changes in behavior and school performance

• They do not receive help for the medical or physical problems that have been informed to the parents.
• They face difficulty in learning that cannot be related to the psychological or specific physical causes
• They are always watchful suggesting they fear something bad is going to happen
• They say that they do not like their parent and do not want to go home (Childwelfare, 2022).

 3. Why do you feel that the incidence of child abuse and neglect appears to be higher among disadvantaged families?

Experiencing disadvantage financially places tremendous stress on the families and increases the risk of neglect and abuse of the child. The lack of proper knowledge and education on child care increases the incidence of child neglect and abuse in disadvantaged families (CDC, 2022). 

4. What information should be included in both an oral and written report of child abuse or neglect?

Both the oral and written reports of child abuse or neglect must include the names and home address of the child and the parents or the guardians responsible for caring for the child. Also, the age of the child, the information on the current location of the child, the nature and extent of the injuries sustained by the child, evidence of any previous injuries, name, age and condition of any other children in the household. It must also include the information that could be helpful in establishing the cause of the neglect or abuse to the child, identity of the person responsible for abuse or neglect and the name and address of the reporter (Childwelfare, 2022).

Impacts of Nutrition and Sleep on Children’s Learning

5. Discuss ways in which early childhood educators and caregivers can help abused and neglected children in the centre.

The child must be reassured that they did not do anything wrong and they are not at any fault. Including that the child will neither be punished or reprimanded. After learning about the events of the incident, the child could be asked about the ways they want to be helped so that a wrong decision is not made by the educator. If the situation seems severe, the educator must inform the child protective services and appropriate authorities about the neglect or abuse.

6. Write a one paragraph response to the “Fallon – child welfare and aboriginal families” video in the Resilience and Adversity  As an ECE, how can you demonstrate cultural sensitivity for Aboriginal children and families?

As an ECE, the development of programs specifically designed for Aboriginal children can play an important role in the support of these children for the development of their cultural identity. Moreover, the educator can print various learning materials in the traditional language of the child that also includes the pictures and signs as well as magazines and books that promote their interest and enthusiasm in their culture. The educator could also ask the parents to inform them on the appropriate ways the development of the child can be supported within the setting.

7. After reading the executive summary of the 2011 report “Kiskisik Awasisik: Remember the Children”, briefly explain why there is an over-representation of indigenous children in the child welfare system.

The overrepresentation of indigenous children in the child welfare system is due to the discriminatory underfunding of the Indigenous CASs that operate. Moreover, part of the complex reason of their overrepresentation is the impact of inter-generational impact of racism and colonialism that lead to low income of this group. This mistreatment of the Indigenous individuals in the society has influenced the involvement of Indigenous children in the child welfare. Moreover, social exclusion also plays a role in their overrepresentation (OHRC, 2022).

1. Why is health/safety education critical during the early years?

The health and safety education during the early years allows the promotion of safe, nurturing and stimulating care for the child. It also promotes the development of valuable relationships during the formative years that can positively impact the future development of a child. It also educates the parents, caregivers and guardians on the appropriate skills and resources to provide safe and stable care that promotes the holistic development of the child (CDC, 2022).

2. What criteria should be used when selecting topics appropriate for health/safety education?

When an educator is selecting topics that are appropriate health and safety education, they must consider if the topic is developmentally appropriate, it must stimulate the interests of the children, it should be respectful and considerate of the cultural background, ethnicity and gender of the children. It must also increase the skills and knowledge of the children, thus promoting the development of positive attitudes, knowledge and practices.

Importance of Sleep for Children

3. What effect does involving children in their own learning have on learning and retention?

When children are involved in their own learning, they retain the information better and it promotes the sense of belonging where the learning space becomes a place that is defined by them. This also promotes self-realization in children where they can recognize their strengths and weaknesses. This also promotes them to develop a fondness for learning and it empowers them by allowing them to see their ideas come to fruition.

4. Identify some of the instructional methods that are most appealing to young children.

Some of the methods that are appealing to the young children are the close reading, hands-on learning activities, scaffolding, self-assessment, thematic instructions, cooperative learning and word walls.

5. What is the purpose of evaluating the health and safety curriculum?

The purpose of evaluation of the health and safety curriculum is to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum and establishment of its reliability, validity and utilization. The evaluation also provides the opportunity to revise and modify the curriculum based on guidelines and requirements.

6. Create an activity plan for a health or safety topic that is not included in the activity plan section of the chapter? Include how you plan on improving retention, and how you would ensure the plan is culturally appropriate for Indigenous children.

The activity plan would be focused on healthy recipes and snacks. The children will be instructed to create a healthy snack that they are aware of or that is usually served to them and which is unique to their culture. They will be provided plates and fruit slices that they can use to create a picture of themselves. Through this activity, the Indigenous children will be encouraged to share their culture with the other children and as there is no specific fruit that is being restricted, they would feel safe to share their cultural without feeling like they are being isolated. As the children will be responsible for arranging the fruit slices in the shape of their face and selecting a fruit that is a snack in their culture, the children will retain the cultural development they experience. Through this activity they will be educated on the importance of fruits and healthy eating on their health and their involvement will encourage them to share the information with their families.

1. Summarize the following points for the four basic food groups, Grains, Vegetables and Fruits, Dairy and Meats.

• suggested daily intake for children
• suggested daily intake for adults
• nutrition strengths

The suggested intake of grain for children is 17 grams for children between the age of 2-18 years and 21 grams for adults. Grains provide magnesium, iron, phosphorous, selenium, vitamin B, dietary fibers and manganese.

Children should have half to three cups of vegetables depending on their age and adults must have a two three and half cups of vegetables. Vegetables provide dietary fiber, iron, calcium, vitamins and other nutrients essential for development.

Children must have half to one or two cups of fruits and adults must have a two to three cups of fruits per day to meet their dietary requirements. Like vegetables, fruits also provide the individual with dietary fibers, vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, folate.

Child Development and Early Childhood Education

Children must consume two cup-equivalent of dairy products and adults must consume three servings. Dairy serves as the main source of calcium which is essential for maintaining and building strong bones. It also provides magnesium, zinc, iodine, potassium, vitamins D, A, B2 and B12.

Children should have 35 grams of minced meat and adults should have 455 grams of cooked meat to meet their dietary requirements. Meat acts as the source of iron, Vitamin E, Vitamins, B1, B2, B3, B6.

2. Define complete proteins, complementary proteins and supplementary proteins. Give four examples of each.

A complete protein is the food source that contains appropriate proportion of each of the nine essential amino acids that are necessary in the human diet. Example- fish, egg, milk, cheese.

Complementary proteins are substances produced from a predecessor protein. They are formed from combining two or more incomplete proteins so that it can provide adequate amounts of amino acids. Examples: Rice, beans, oatmeal, peanut butter.

Supplementary proteins are incomplete protein that are combined with small amounts of complete protein to complete the protein. Examples: Seeds, legumes, nuts, grains.

3. Why is water important to health, and what are some ways to ensure that children are adequately hydrated?

Water improves the physical performance and boost the brain power in individuals. It is also essential for thermoregulation in a human body and aids in maintaining the fluidity between joints. It can be ensured that children are always hydrated through packing a water bottle instead of other sweet drinks and encouraging water intake through demonstrating good hydration habits.

4. List several types of foods that are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Why would it be beneficial to include such foods in meal plans? 

Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, leafy green vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, beans, berries, dairy are rich sources of minerals and vitamins. It would beneficial to include these foods in meal plans as it will allow the individual to reach their daily nutrient intake and promote their development and growth.

5. Using section 16-3a, “Guidelines for Feeding a Preschooler” in Chapter 16, suggest serving sizes for a 4-year-old preschooler for each of the following foods: milk, whole wheat bread, apple slices, carrots, and cooked chicken.

Milk- ½ cup, Whole wheat bread: one slice, Apple slices: half cup, Carrots: Half a cup, Cooked chicken: one ounce.

1. Write an instructional document on infant feeding to be used by new employees in an infant care facility.  What social aspects of infant feeding should be included in addition to nutritional and infant-handling factors?

Infant feeding is the process of feeding infants breast milk till they are six months of age and after six months of feeding addition of food such as rice water, gram water, oats with milk must be began. The instructional document will include the type of milk formula and the instruction for feeding through bottle, the document will also include the instructions for the new employee to report any allergies that may be present and explain the allergies, they will also be guided to report the foods that have been introduced after six months and the consistency of the food that is provided to the child. The likes and dislikes of the children will also be needed to be recorded with the method for feeding. There will also be a list of foods from which the care provider can select the types of foods that have been introduced. Lastly, they will be instructed on the importance of adding comments and information that are necessary, moreover the parents will be shared the document and their signature will be recorded on it. The factor of the feeling of a young mother regarding breastfeeding, the cultural beliefs and the eating habits of the mother along with the breastfeeding behavior should also be included.

Improving Posture in Children

2. List and describe three reasons for not propping an infant’s bottle when the infant is feeding.

Propping an infant’s bottle when they are feeding can lead to choking as the milk will collect in the back of their mouth, secondly the milk will not flow down the throat of the child due to propping the bottle and third, propping the bottle increases the risk of the child developing tooth decay and ear infection due to the collection of the milk in their mouth.

3. Describe several feeding practices that are considered to contribute to infant obesity.

The premature introduction to solid food and excessive consumption of formula milk can lead to the child become obese. Putting the child to bed with a feeding bottle also increases their likelihood of obesity and unchecked feeding habits also contributes to infant obesity.

4. Explain the caregiver’s major responsibilities in toddler feeding situations. Explain what responsibilities are given to the toddlers.

The caregiver is responsible for measuring the weight of the child and modifying their food intake accordingly. They are also responsible for assessing the allergies that a child may have and informing the parent of the same so that appropriate meal plan can be developed that meets their daily nutrient requirement. The toddlers are responsible for finishing their meal and informing the caregiver if they are not comfortable with a certain food. The toddlers are also responsible for helping the caregiver with picking up toys and throwing paper or other waste generated by them into the bin and help with tasks that are requested of them.

5. The timing of when food is served is an important factor when feeding toddlers. What should you consider when planning the timing of meals and snacks for this age group?

The meal timings must be in good intervals so that there is adequate time for the food to be absorbed by their body. The breakfast must be planned closer to them waking up and lunch should be planned in the middle of the day, snacks must be between lunch and dinner and should be after they wake up from their afternoon nap. The dinner time must be as near their bedtime as possible.

1. Design a five-day menu appropriate for 3–5-year-old children that includes morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. The menu should provide one-half of the foods needed according to the Basic Four Food Groups.  Provide one good daily source of each of: vitamin C, calcium and iron.  Provide at least three good sources of vitamin A during the five-day period. 

Menu Pattern	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Morning Snack	Half serving of Fruits with soft pretzels	Fruit cobbler with milk	Rice cakes and fruit juice	Fruits and bagel with cheese	Graham crackers and fruit juice
Lunch	One and half and two cups of vegetables, half a cup of rice, one egg and one string cheese	One cup of leafy vegetables, one tortilla, half a cup of beans, one cup of yoghurt.	Three to four ounces of cooked meat, half cup of pasta, half a cup of corn, half ounce of cheese.	One and half cup of mixed vegetables, one slice of bread, one cup of yoghurt and a few berries.	One and half and two cups of vegetables, half a cup of rice, one egg and one string cheese, half a medium banana.
Afternoon Snack	Baby carrots and a dip	Apple slices with graham crackers	Orange slices and soft pretzels	Cheese crackers and seasonal fruit	Quesadillas and cheese sauce with orange or apple slices

Name five sensory qualities that can be contrasted to make food appealing. Give examples of meals that are sensory appealing.

Smell, taste, appearance, texture, sound can be contrasted to make food appealing. A salad made of sweet tomatoes, green lettuce, crunchy carrots, sweet raisins, cheese and crackers.

3. What are two reasons for using fresh fruits and vegetables in season?

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season provides more nutrition and flavor; it also has not been harvested early to ripen therefore, it is most likely free of harmful pesticides and chemicals that promote early ripening.

4. Name two ways the menu planner can control food costs.

A food planner can reduce costs by buying the materials locally and using fruits and vegetables that are available in season.

5. List and describe five means of keeping the food service area sanitary.

Maintaining personal hygiene will reduce the risk of food borne microorganism illnesses from occurring.

• Proper cleaning and sanitization of the cooking area will reduce the contamination.
• Equipment cleaning will ensure that two substances do not mix and lead to contamination of the food substance.
• Good housekeeping will maintain the quality of food and the service area.
• Separation of serving area from other areas so that cross contamination does not occur during processing of the food.

1. Summarize the four basic principles that are fundamental to children’s nutritional education.

The four basic principles of children’s nutritional education are that children must have access to healthy food so that their growth and development is promoted, they must be provided with adequate nutrients as it allows them to grow into healthy adults, they must eat a variety of food, the food must be handled carefully.

2. What is the early childhood educator’s role in providing nutrition education activities for the young child?

The early childhood educator is responsible for promoting activities that encourage healthy eating and healthy behaviors of physical activity so that childhood obesity can be prevented.

3. List and describe four ways that nutrition education activities aid child development.

It makes the children aware of the nutritional requirements that need to be met daily for their proper growth, it encourages their interest in food and promotes healthy eating, it promotes their enthusiasm in cooking and knowing about the various food substances that are consumed, it improves their relationship with food as they gain confidence in food handling.

4. Summarize basic safety guidelines for a cooking activity.

The child should be taught about the safety precautions that must be taken before cooking a food to prevent injuries. The child should be taught to was their hands before handling food, they must be advised to never wear loose clothes as it can be a fire hazard, they must have their hair tied back or secured away from the face and fire source so that a fire accident does not occur. Using separate equipment for cooking and handling food to avoid cross contamination and reducing the risk of diseases.

 5. Imagine you are planning a food experience for 4- and 5-year-olds in the classroom. Develop an activity plan for the concept “Making Pancakes”.  Include learning objectives, supplies/equipment, learning activities (ensure you give safety instructions in your activity) and an evaluation portion in your plan.  Cooking will be done in an electrical skillet on a table.

Learning objective: Making pancakes, learn about different food textures, different ingredients

Supplies: Self-rising flour, sugar, salt, milk, egg, mixing bowl, electrical skillet, whisk, spatula

Learning activities: The children will learn to make pancake mixture by mixing different ingredients of different texture and consistency, the children were advised to wear aprons, tie their hair, wear caps, wash their hands and clean the cooking station (table) before touching their ingredients, they were also advised to stay away from the electrical skillet and focus on mixing the ingredients carefully using the whisk.

Evaluation: The children were enthusiastically taking part in the activity and asked various questions about the process including the different textures and consistency of the ingredients. They were also curious about the safety instructions that were provided and followed them diligently, carefully doing their work. The children also asked if they could make pancakes in different shapes and they demonstrated their creativity through making different shapes.