Food allergies are relatively common among children in child care programs. To keep everyone in the child care facility safe and healthy, child care providers must be informed about allergies and be prepared to deal with allergic reactions. Many allergic reactions are minor, but some reactions can be dangerous or even life-threatening, depending on the response of the individual’s immune system. To avoid as many allergic reactions as possible, child care providers should prepare, plan, and know children’s history of …
Accommodating Special Diets in Child Care
Some children in child care have special dietary requirements. Food allergies, cultural and religious preferences, and vegetarian diets are common issues in a child care program. Child care providers, center directors, and parents need to work together in order to ensure that children with special dietary needs receive appropriate foods.
Talk with Parents about Special Dietary Needs
Planning to accommodate a child’s special dietary needs should begin before that child is enrolled in the child care program. The program director …