Head Start Farm to ECE Overview and Resource Guide
Our partners at the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) and Nemours Children’s Health are pleased to share the Head Start Farm to ECE Overview and Resource Guide.
Happy, Healthy, Ready
Sesame Street for Military Families has launched new resources to encourage healthy habits through engaging and enjoyable activities.
Follow and Stretch Brain Builders
There’s one word that likely comes to mind when you think of toddlers: WHY? Why is the sky blue? Why do we brush our teeth? Why do I have to go to sleep? Constantly asking “why?” is a sign your child’s brain is growing! They are curious and want to learn all about the world around them. Vroom can help you make the most of the whys through the Brain Building Basics of Follow and Stretch.
Gluten-Free Diets
The gluten-free diet has generated a lot of attention in recent years, with some praising its benefits. However, for people who cannot eat gluten due to medical reasons, such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this diet is not a choice but a necessity. Our Partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition defines gluten and how it affects certain individuals, lists foods containing gluten, identifies gluten-free foods, and reviews how to accommodate children who require a gluten-free diet.
Race to Readiness
Our Partners at Read Aloud 15 Minutes launched a “Race to Readiness” campaign. Inspired by race cars and the goal of 500 minutes of reading aloud, this campaign is designed to help prepare kids for a successful future.
Outdoor Learning
Whether it’s a walk around the block, a moment in the park, or simply looking out the window, these activities from our partners at Sesame Street in Communities are easy to integrate into daily routines. Together, families and providers can help children notice, wonder, and grow—one outdoor moment at a time.
Staying Hydrated in the Summer
Summer is well underway! To prepare children for the heat, ensure drinking water is available and offer it throughout the day as they engage in outdoor playtime. Our partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition provide benefits of drinking water, recommendations for water intake, signs of dehydration, and drinks to avoid.
Read Aloud Tips for Babies and Toddlers
Research shows that reading aloud with children is the single most important thing you can do to prepare a child for reading and learning. Our partners at Read Aloud 15 Minutes national campaign promotes parents and caregivers reading aloud to their children at least 15 minutes every day starting at birth.
Food and Play Brain Builders
We know summer is a busy time for families and caregivers. Good news is that brain building doesn’t require any extra time, money, or stuff. It fits into what you already do. Mealtime is a great time to teach children skills like listening, problem solving, focus, and more! Our partners at Vroom have some great food and play brain builders for you to use.
Updated CACFP Resources
Team Nutrition updated the following training resources for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). These resources provide CACFP operators with strategies to encourage healthy choices and healthy outcomes for their participants.