Food provision in early childhood education and care services: Exploring how staff determine nutritional adequacy
Food provision in early childhood education and care services: Exploring how staff determine nutritional adequacy
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DOI：
10.1111/1747-0080.12310
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发表时间：
2017-02-01
影响因子：
3.1
通讯作者：
Cleland, Phoebe
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Cole, Amanda;Vidgen, Helen;Cleland, Phoebe
目的：本研究的目的是探讨幼儿教育和保育服务机构在确定向其照料的儿童提供的食物的营养充足性时所使用的方法、过程和战略。半结构化访谈（n = 22）进行了董事，教育工作者和厨师在长日托服务（LDCS）（n = 12）关于营养充足，工具的使用，指导方针和清单、菜单规划以及不健康食品的识别和管理。采用了定性专题办法来确定预期的和新出现的专题。然后进行个案比较，并制作表格和模型，以便进行比较分析。LDCS表现出缺乏认识和使用目前的监管要求，营养指南和建议，虽然服务有信心在提供营养咨询家长/carers.Conclusions：LDCS工作人员使用的个人知识和经验，以证据为基础的营养指南和建议时，确定提供给儿童的食物是营养充足的。幼儿保育和教育中心的服务被认为是预防肥胖和培养终身健康饮食习惯的重要场所。这项研究强调了在提供营养和适当的食物照顾儿童的复杂性和不一致性，同时强调需要改善营养指南的使用和可及性。
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the methods, processes and strategies used by early childhood education and care (ECEC) services when determining the nutritional adequacy of food provided to children in their care.Methods: Semi-structured interviews (n = 22) were conducted with directors, educators and cooks at long day care services (LDCS) (n = 12) regarding nutritional adequacy, the use of tools, guidelines and checklists, menu planning and identification and management of unhealthy foods. A qualitative thematic approach was used to identify anticipated and emergent themes. Case-by-case comparisons were then made, and tables and models were created to allow for comparative analysis.Results: LDCS relied on personal knowledge, experience and ` common sense' when determining the nutritional adequacy of the food provided to children. LDCS demonstrated a lack of awareness and use of current regulatory requirements, nutrition guidelines and recommendations, although the services were confident in providing nutrition advice to parents/carers.Conclusions: LDCS staff use personal knowledge and experience over evidence-based nutrition guidelines and recommendations when determining if the food provided to children is nutritionally adequate. ECEC services are recognised as important settings for obesity prevention and the development of lifetime healthy eating habits. This study highlights the complexities and inconsistencies in providing food that is nutritious and appropriate to children in care while highlighting the need to improve the use and accessibility of nutrition guidelines.