Supporting Children’s Healthy Development During Mealtime in Early Childhood Settings

The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency and relationship between responsive feeding practices used during early childhood education (ECE) mealtimes high-quality teaching teacher characteristics. We found variation in teachers’ use practices. Teachers were more often observed using role modeling than supporting eating self-regulation. Programs that implemented family style meal service had a generally higher Overall, we positive associations Teachers’ Head Start status associated with mealtime. salary This highlights possible training needs for teachers related need expand classroom quality assessment incorporate routines. Finally, sheds light on importance building better interdisciplinary partnerships support improve ECE mealtime order help promote optimal outcomes children all areas development.