Innovative Learning Solutions

The Arizona Dept of Health Services is offering discounted licensing fees to centers that register for the Empower Pack program to increase healthy nutition and physical activity choices for children and youth.

The Dept. has added a new resource online called Arizona Child Care Champions for Change – Best Practices

From the Table of Contents:

Best Practice #1: Model Healthy Eating Behavior

Best Practice #2: Integrate nutrition and physical activity into all curricula so that these practices are persistent throughout teaching and the childcare environment.

Best Practice #3: Practice the “Division of Responsibility” in feeding.

Best Practice #4: Provide the best start for infant feeding, including breastfeeding, developmentally appropriate first foods, and recognition of hunger and fullness.

Best Practice #5: Become partners in prevention-caregiver and parent involvement, education and guidance.

Best Practice #6: Use the environment effectively to promote physical activity and free play.

Best Practice #7: Plan menus and meals with the child’s nutritional needs in mind, therefore promoting physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

For more information about the Empower Pack Program – http://www.azdhs.gov/empowerpack/index.htm