UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health

Feeding Children with Special Needs:

Many children have special needs that affect their eating habits or food choices. In this module, we will discuss dietary needs of children on the autism spectrum, children with medical diets, and children who may need adaptive equipment. The module also provides discussions on how to make meal modifications including writing nutrition care plans for these children with special needs.

This content is also available as a PowerPoint file.

For your convenience, we have also created a sample quiz (with answers) that can be used with this module.

Spanish translations of the video and PowerPoint for this module are also available for your use.

Feeding Scenarios: Infants

It is recommended that infants consume only human milk or iron fortified infant formula for the first six months of life. We will discuss the benefits of both feeding human milk versus infant formula. The module also includes proper handling and storage of human milk and what happens if human milk is fed to the wrong infant. Responsive feeding will be discussed along with transitioning to baby foods and moving from a bottle to a cup. Suggestions on appropriate early foods and additional beverage choices will also be offered.

This content is also available as a PowerPoint file.

For your convenience, we have also created a sample quiz (with answers) that can be used with this module.

Spanish translations of the video and PowerPoint for this module are also available for your use.

Feeding Scenarios: Toddlers

Toddlers are just learning to experience foods and in this module we will discuss transitions from the bottle to cup, self-feeding, choking hazards, food jags, and child led conversations about food. Toddlers will experience many changes in their eating, from food textures to transitioning to self-feeding. Suggestions to overcome some feeding stresses will be offered.

This content is also available as a PowerPoint file.

For your convenience, we have also created a sample quiz (with answers) that can be used with this module.

Spanish translations of the video and PowerPoint for this module are also available for your use.

Feeding Scenarios: Preschoolers

Preschoolers have matured in their eating habits, but still have much to learn. We will discuss meal patterns, the benefits of serving meals using family style service, parent provided meals and strategies to work with fussy eaters. We will also offer suggestions on how to get preschoolers to experiment and try new foods.

This content is also available as a PowerPoint file.

For your convenience, we have also created a sample quiz (with answers) that can be used with this module.

Spanish translations of the video and PowerPoint for this module are also available for your use.

Food Allergies:

All childcare professionals should be aware of food allergy management as food allergies are quite common amongst young children and some can be serious, even life threatening. In this module, we will learn the difference between food allergies and intolerances. There are 8 major food allergens, which will be discussed along with signs and symptoms of allergic reactions. The module covers allergy management and the need for care plans between the physician, nurse and dietitian.

This content is also available as a PowerPoint file.

For your convenience, we have also created a sample quiz (with answers) that can be used with this module.

Spanish translations of the video and PowerPoint for this module are also available for your use.

Food Safety in Childcare:

Food safety is critical when serving food to young children as they have not yet built up their immunity and are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. In this module, we will learn about choking hazards, inappropriate foods for young children to eat, how food becomes contaminated and how to prevent foodborne illnesses. Proper cleaning and sanitizing techniques will also be addressed.

This content is also available as a PowerPoint file.

For your convenience, we have also created a sample quiz (with answers) that can be used with this module.

Spanish translations of the video and PowerPoint for this module are also available for your use.

Incorporating Nutrition into Your Center Policies:

This module outlines what is needed to provide a comprehensive nutrition policy.  It covers the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidance, including the required non-discrimination statements. Other topics covered are the role of a Registered Dietitian in your program, meal patterns and meal schedules, water needs, and parental education.

This content is also available as a PowerPoint file.

For your convenience, we have also created a sample quiz (with answers) that can be used with this module.

Spanish translations of the video and PowerPoint for this module are also available for your use.

Licensing for Connecticut Child Care Centers:

Each state has its own childcare regulations, including licensing statutes and standards.  As we are based in Connecticut, we have developed the licensing needs for our state. Please check your state requirements as they may be different. Much of this module applies to all states as it outlines participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which is a federal program for child care centers and daycare homes funded by the USDA. This module also discusses the role of a registered dietitian in any program that serves meals or snacks, meal requirements and food safety regulations for serving food in a child care center.

This content is also available as a PowerPoint file.

For your convenience, we have also created a sample quiz (with answers) that can be used with this module.

Spanish translations of the video and PowerPoint for this module are also available for your use.