My viewing experience has been productive, and I have learned different aspects of mealtime and daycare practices, in general. After eating, children need to rest for some time for digestion to happen effectively as Tai and the others do (Taispot, 2009, 00:08:26 – 00:09:59). I have also noted that children should serve themselves to impart kitchen knowledge. Allowing children to serve themselves gives them the freedom to choose a variety of foods (Arizona Department of Health Services, 2010, 00:01:20 – 00:01:34). My viewing experience has imparted knowledge that there are different meal services, including pre-plated and family-style dining (MSDE TV, 2018, 00:01:30 – 00:10:45). Children need to know how to prepare simple meals, including snacks, to become productive in society (Montessori New Zealand, 2013, 00:01:35 – 00:10:17). Equally, childcare facilities teach children the aspect of memorability and socialization through songs and other game interactions (ECA Learning Hub, 2012, 00:05:34 – 00:06:17). Lastly, it is important to try new recipes for children as a way of learning new ideas. Children should be subjected to new foods that they rarely eat at home (Better Kid Care, 2015, 00:03:25 – 00:00:03:58).
Addressing food allergies is critical among children in a daycare. While daycare centers cannot be completely free of food-related allergies, they should aim to create and maintain a safe environment for children with different conditions. First, the daycare facility needs to consult parents regarding their children’s health status, hence developing a care plan that is suitable for individual kids (New York State Center for School Health, 2017). Anaphylaxis emergency strategy is critical for children with food allergies. A daycare center should know the needs of each kid, hence acting accordingly. Moreover, regular staff training about maintaining a relaxing atmosphere is the subsequent means which can address food allergies among children (MSDE TV 00:15:40 – 00:16:52).
Additionally, understanding children with special needs is paramount to providing suitable accommodation that supports their learning and development. According to the New York State Center for School Health (2020), child care providers must comprehend that children with special needs come first in their programs. Providers should spend more time with children with special needs, praising and encouraging them to gain more skills that are appropriate to their age. Providers need to be educated that each special child has a unique disability and needs to attend to them individually.
Moreover, providers can address cultural competence by giving children from different cultural backgrounds the freedom to embrace their beliefs. New York State Center for School Health (2020) opine that cultural competence enables providers to interact, communicate, and understand children effectively from diverse cultures. For instance, Islamic children have religious beliefs that they should not eat meat, and care providers should respect the norm. Therefore, providers must ensure that they provide a variety of meals that the children can select which are acceptable in their culture. Holistically, the caregiver should ensure that she teaches the students to accept diverse cultures.
The daycare facilities support the development and growth of students. Playgrounds are prudent to support children’s growth and development while embracing their talent. The facilities range from football, basketball pitches, and many others to exploring their talent. Also, the accommodations enhance students to refresh their minds and become active in learning. The amenities equally develop positive interaction and communication among the children. Notably, the facilities should cater to the interests of different groups, including students with special needs.
References
Arizona Department of Health Services. Family-style meals in the children setting. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Better Kid Care. (2015). Family Style Dining. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
ECA Learning Hub. (2012). Discovering-Lunchtime. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Montessori New Zealand. (2013). Montessori in New Zealand: Young children preparing community lunch. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
MSDE TV. (2018). The CACFP Mealtime Environment. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
New York State Center for School Health. (2020). CDC school health guidelines to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Web.
Taispot. (2009). Tai Eats Lunch at Daycare. Web.