Child Care Centers

Does milk have to be served if the parent doesn't want it?

Unless there is a statement from a medical authority stating that the participant must not have milk, milk must be served with each meal.

Does the participant have to be served everything if he/she doesn't want it?

If the meal is pre-plated, all required components in required serving sizes must be served to all participants.

Does a family day care home provider have to provide care in her/his own home or can it be in someone else's home? What if the provider rents a home or rents a non-home (commercial) space?

Childcare must be provided in a home setting. It can be the provider's home or someone else's home. It cannot be in a commercial property.

What if the parent doesn't want to return an Income Eligibility Form (IEF) to qualify for free or reduced price meals? (or give a SS# or income)?

It up to the center if it wants to make a policy that all IEFs are returned. The parent or guardian can not be required to give their SS# or income; however, if they do not, the center may only claim the participants in the "paid" category.

What is the difference between family style and pre-plated meal service?

Pre-plated means that all required components are served in the correct amounts to each child at the beginning of the meal. Family style is when enough of all required components are prepared and placed on the table for the child to serve her/himself. All items are then passed to each child so that the child has the opportunity to serve themselves. The child should be encouraged to take or sample all items, but should not be forced.

What are the Benefits of serving family Style meals?

Family style meal service provides an opportunity to reach nutritional goals by encouraging a pleasant eating environment which will help give children the opportunity to enhance lifetime skills, such as motor skills, language, social skills, table manners, and independence. This method allows children to identify, and be introduced to new foods, new tastes, and new menus, while developing a positive attitude toward nutritious foods, sharing in group eating situations, and developing good eating habits.

Family-style meals may also have a very positive effect on the picky eater. When children sit together and serve themselves, the picky eater may see others accepting foods and want to try the foods as well. The adult may need to encourage the picky eater to taste the food.

Family-style meal service takes time, but persistence results in children who will develop lifetime skills at an early age.

When using "family style" meal service, must the participant have all meal items placed on their plate?

The participant must have an opportunity to take all food items, and all food items must be available in the proper serving sizes for all participants. The participant should be encouraged to take the required amount of all components. However, if the participant does not wish to have one of the items served, the participant does not have to place the item on their plate.

Do I have to do one or the other (pre-plate or family style)?

Yes, the center must choose to do one or the other for each meal. The center can use both in any given day i.e.; Breakfast pre-plated, Lunch served family style. Or, 3-5 year olds in a separate classroom are served family style and the 1-2 year olds meals are pre-plated.

Can I save money by serving food with family style service?

No, the center must still prepare and place on the table all components of a meal in big enough amounts to serve all children the minimum portions. Food that has been sitting out on the table or passed around the table can not be saved for later use.

Are medical statements needed for food other than milk?

In most cases, there are other components in the same category that can replace ones that can't be used. If there is a disability at issue, the center should get a medical statement.

Do I have to cater to family religious or other preferences?

That is a customer service issue between the family and the center. In most cases, there are items in each component grouping that can be substituted.

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