Young children need variety, balance, and moderation in nutrition. They need protein to build strong bodies and calories to fuel growth, learning, and play. These lessons approach the nutrition needs of young children.
Grab and Go Lesson - Balanced Nutrition in Child CareVariety and moderation using CACFP Meal Pattern requirements and MyPyramid as a guide. 2010.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Select Grains and Breads for Good Health Whole grains in child care menus for complex carbohydrates and energy. 2010.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Vary Your Vegetables and FruitsOffer a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide vitamins A and C. 2010.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Milk, Cheese, and YogurtMilk and milk products provide calcium and protein to build strong bones, teeth and muscles. Includes recommendations for infants and young children, and children with milk sensitivities. 2010.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Vary Meat and Meat Alternates for Good NutritionUse meat and meat alternates as good sources of iron and protein. Includes tips to reduce fat. 2010.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Menu Planning Tips for VarietyPlanning nutritious meals in child care. 2010.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Serve the Right Amount and Kind of Fat in Child Care Menus View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Reduce the Salt in Child Care MenusView or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Reduce the Sugar in Child Care MenusView or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Snack Time is Variety TimeView or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Using CACFP Meal Patterns for Good Nutrition Using Child and Adult Care Food Program Meal Patterns and MyPyramid to plan healthy meals in child care. 2010.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Nutrition for Toddlers and Young ChildrenMeeting nutrition needs. 2010.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - How Much is Enough?Learning to gauge whether a child has had enough to eat. Developing the feeding relationship.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Which Foods and How Often is Enough? Using MyPyramid as a guide to which foods to serve; planning regular meal times; encouraging healthy eating.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Nutrition for the Pre-School and School-Age ChildA guide to the roles of key nutrients in good health for young children; encourage balance, variety, and moderation in food choices.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Guide to VarietyTips for offering a variety of foods for good nutrition in child care.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Simple Snack Ideas Planning nutritious, healthful snacks that contribute to the nutrition needs of young children.
View or DownloadGrab and Go Lesson - Vegetarian Diets for Young ChildrenFamilies choose vegetarian diets for their children for many reasons. With planning, a vegetarian diet can meet the nutrition needs of the growing child.
View or DownloadNutrition Needs of Young Children Video - Flash VersionVideo lesson on the nutrition needs of young children. Variety and moderation, feeding infants, and special needs. RT 16.5 min. View online in streaming video. 2009.
View or DownloadNutrition Needs of Young Children Video - Windows Media Video VersionVideo lesson on the nutrition needs of young children. Variety and moderation, feeding infants, and special needs. RT 16.5 min. Download this Windows Media Video (WMV) version to your computer. 2009.
View or DownloadNutrition Needs of Young Children Video Lesson Plan - PDF VersionUse this lesson plan to accompany the video for training. 2010.
View or DownloadNutrition Needs of Young Children Video Lesson Plan - Microsoft Word® VersionUse this lesson plan to accompany the video for training. 2010.
View or DownloadVariety and Moderation Video - Flash VersionVideo lesson on variety and moderation for balanced nutrition in child care. RT 5 min. View online in streaming video. 2009.
View or DownloadVariety and Moderation Video - Windows Media Video VersionVideo lesson on variety and moderation for balanced nutrition in child care. RT 5 min. Download this Windows Media Video (WMV) version to your computer. 2009.
View or DownloadChildren’s Activity - MyPyramid for Preschoolers Games and activities help children learn about food groups and good nutrition. 2010.
View or DownloadChildren’s Activity - Awesome Blossoms Food and art project involving children in making a healthy snack. 2010.
View or DownloadChildren’s Activity - Milk and Dairy Foods Explore where milk comes from, good things milk and dairy foods do for our bodies, and foods made from milk. 2010.
View or DownloadChildren’s Activity - Help Children Learn about Seasoning Activities that introduce children to spices and herbs used as seasoning.
View or DownloadChildren’s Activity - Food Train Young children learn about the food groups by creating a "food train" and sorting foods by groups.
View or DownloadChildren’s Activity - Song: Old MacDonaldView or DownloadChildren’s Activity - Let's Learn About BeansLearn about beans by sorting, identifying, and growing them.
View or DownloadSimple Snack Ideas – Family Materials Ideas to help families serve healthful, nutritious snacks at home.
View or DownloadChildren Need a Variety of Vitamins and Minerals – Family MaterialsAn overview of good nutrition for families.
View or DownloadParent’s Tips: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans – Family MaterialsBalance, variety, and moderation for good nutrition.
View or DownloadParent’s Tips: Help Your Child Learn Healthy Eating Habits – Family MaterialsTips to help families encourage healthy eating habits.
View or DownloadYour child drew this picture. Ask about what we had for lunch today. – Family MaterialsA drawing page for children to start a conversation about food and good nutrition.
View or DownloadTips Your Family Can Use to Encourage Healthy Choices– Family MaterialsInformation to send home with families.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Helping Families Make Healthy Changes for Themselves and Their Children15 minute lesson helps child care providers share information and Family Materials with families. PDF format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Helping Families Make Healthy Changes for Themselves and Their Children15 minute lesson helps child care providers share information and Family Materials with families. MS Word format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Reducing Fat in the Child Care Menu 15 minute training. PDF format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Reducing Fat in the Child Care Menu 15 minute training. MS Word format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Reducing Sugar in the Child Care Menu 15 minute training. PDF format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Reducing Sugar in the Child Care Menu 15 minute training. MS Word format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Reducing Salt in the Child Care Menu 15 minute training. PDF format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Reducing Salt in the Child Care Menu 15 minute training. MS Word format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Helping Families Make Healthy Changes for Themselves and Their Children15 minute training. PDF format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Helping Families Make Healthy Changes for Themselves and Their Children 15 minute training. MS Word format.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Introducing Culture to NutritionPDF format. Published 2012.
View or DownloadLesson Plan - Introducing Culture to NutritionMS Word format. Published 2012.
View or DownloadGood Nutrition for TeethFoods that keep teeth healthy.
View or DownloadGood Sources of Vitamin AThis poster lists foods that are good sources of Vitamin A.
View or DownloadGood Sources of Vitamin CLearn about fruits and vegetables that are good sources of Vitamin C.
View or DownloadMilkLearn the dietary guidelines about milk.
View or Download