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The Right Start:. Preventing Childhood Obesity through Early Care Settings. Jennifer Hobbs, M.S., R.D. Nutrition Consultant. Network For a Healthy California. Merced County Office of Education.
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The Right Start: Preventing Childhood Obesity through Early Care Settings Jennifer Hobbs, M.S., R.D. Nutrition Consultant Network For a Healthy California Merced County Office of Education Principal funding is from the USDA Food Stamp Program through the Network for a Healthy California, which is an initiative of the California Department of Public Health. These institutions are equal opportunity providers and employers. The Food Stamp Program provides nutrition assistance to people with limited incomes that can help them buy nutritious foods for a better diet. For information, call 1.888.328.3483.
Network for a Healthy California - Merced County Office of Education • Currently in our 5th year as an LIA • Work with all Special Education classes in the county (birth to 22 yrs.) • 3 school districts • 19 preschool classes
Introducing different fruits and vegetables in the classroom • Monthly storybooks and learning about different fruits and vegetables • Involving children in the taste tests PROS HOTM in the Preschool Setting • 3 hour day filled with a set curriculum schedule • Viewed nutrition education as an “extra” subject to teach • Had difficulty finding ways to integrate nutrition into other subject matters CHALLENGES
Development of the HOTM Preschool Packet • Evaluated the program after our first year and made changes based on teacher feedback • Preschool Curriculum Specialist helped develop and integrate HOTM activities into the Houghton Mifflin curriculum
Implementation of the HOTM program • Teacher trainings bi-annually • Monthly Meetings to review HOTM activities
HOTM Preschool Packet Books: • Each teacher receives 2-5 books per month HOTM Activities: • Done on Fridays Food Experience: • Taste tests or simple recipes that include the children • Each child receives the food on his/her plate to prepare • Encourages food safety
HOTM Preschool Packet Shopping List: • Each teacher or aide does the shopping with the school Save Mart card • The district then bills us for the HOTM recipes • List is very specific • We review all receipts so we know exactly how much was purchased Incentive Items: • Stickers, bracelets, magnets, citrus peelers, stress balls Parent Outreach: • Monthly HOTM Parent Newsletter (English, Spanish, Hmong) • Includes recipes used in the classroom • Meet with parents 1 -2 times per year at their Parent Advisory Committee Meetings
Support from administration and curriculum coaches • Improved daily snack menu • Birthdays are only celebrated once a month • Teachers have attended a one day SPARK training • Other preschool programs in Merced County are requesting HOTM materials and inertest in joining our LIA SUCCESS
How can you use this packet in your facility? • Access it from the LA website or our website • Utilize the activities in the classroom regardless of your curriculum • Start with taste tests, add in recipes as able • Appropriate for child care centers and preschools