Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers childcare provider training, which has been approved by the Department of Human Services and CACFP. The training helps providers identify, recognize, and implement best practices relative to nutrition, physical activity, health, and safety for children under their care.
Iowa’s youth are at risk. “Only half of Iowa youth meet current physical activity recommendation levels, but one in four watch three or more hours of television a day,” said Ann Parker, nutrition and wellness specialist, with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Further, only 14 percent of Iowa youth eat vegetables more than three times a day (excluding French fries and potato chips), 20 percent eat fruit more than three times a day, but almost one third drink at least one non-diet soda each day. Research has shown that less than 10 percent of youth meet recommendations for fat, fruit and vegetable intake, Parker said.
“These trends demonstrate the need to foster healthier nutrition and physical activity behaviors among our youth. Ideally, these behaviors need to begin early during their preschool years. Research suggests some health behaviors can be established before the child begins school and the childcare setting can play an important and influential role,” Parker added.
ISU Human Sciences Extension and Outreach will hold the following online trainings:
- Actions Speak Louder than Words– Children are great imitators. They observe and imitate adults’ nutrition and physical activity practices. Explore ways you can be a positive role model for children in your care. Write an action plan for helping children develop healthy eating habits for life. This virtual training will occur on the following dates and times, register by September 16:
- September 21 1:00-3:00 pm, Register here: https://bit.ly/actions18251
- September 22 6:30-8:30 pm Register here: https://bit.ly/actions18253
- Safe Food for a Healthy Future- How do we protect children from foodborne illnesses? Assess your current food safety practices and develop action plans to improve using the FightBac! messages to fight foodborne illness. This virtual training will occur on the following dates and times, register by October 21:
- October 27 6:30-8:30 pm, Register here: https://bit.ly/safefood18246
- October 28 1:00-3:00 pm, Register here: https://bit.ly/safefood18248
Cost is $5 per training. Each training provides 2 hours of credit for childcare providers. Registration on I-Power is also required.
Persons who want more information can contact Ann Parker at 515-204-3397 or aeparker@iastate.edu
