Below are some key questions that you may want to ask when talking with your childcare provider regarding physical activity and nutrition.  There is also a list of ways that you can provide help to your childcare provider so that your child and others can eat right and be active. Remember that while in a child care setting children should be actively playing at least 60 minutes per day.

Here are some key questions about physical activity and nutrition you may want to ask: 

Key Questions

• How many hours and what type of active play will my child get each day?
• Do the kids play outside every day? If it’s raining or snowing, and they have the right clothes, will they go outside to play?
• Is play equipment safe for kids my child’s age?
• What activities do you do to help develop coordination in the kids?
• How much TV or computer game time is allowed each day?
• How many servings of fruit are being served each day?
• How many servings of vegetables are being served each day?
• Is whole or low-fat milk served?
• Do you serve 100% fruit juice, and how much?
• What is served for snacks?
• Is the food served low in fat, sugar, and salt?
• What is served as a treat?
• Are all activities included in the monthly fee? Are field trips extra? If yes, how much extra money is needed each month? (When money is tight, knowing these costs ahead of time will help you save for these extra activities.)
• Take a look at the staff. Do they model healthy habits?

To help your caregiver make sure your child has: 

• Clothing for the weather—for rainy, snowy, and sunny days. Remember—kids get muddy or sweaty when they play hard and have fun. Make sure they dress for the activity.
• Equipment for activities (do they need their own baseball mitt or jump rope?)
• Money for the activities your caregiver has planned.

Note: If providing any of the above is problematic for you, say so well in advance so your caregiver can make other arrangements.

Think of you and your child’s caregiver as partners to keep your child healthy.

• Serve healthy foods at home. Set an example by eating healthy.
• If you have concerns, be tactful. Avoid blaming, accusing or criticizing. Ask questions and share information, as they are good ways to open the lines of communications.
• If the center has a parent newsletter, share ideas, recipes and resources with other parents.
• Ask if the childcare staff is aware of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Care/CACFP/cacfphome.htm to see if they can get some help.
• Clip coupons for healthy foods; alert your caregiver to special sales.
• Think about a parent-buying co-op for bulk purchases of in-season fruits or vegetables.
• To celebrate your child’s special occasions, ask what would be welcome and fits your budget:
  • Treats of fresh fruit
  • Non-food items such as markers, coloring books
  • A game or books
  • Equipment for the outdoor play area

For more ideas and information visit http://healthikids.org/