Nutrition has vital and long-lasting effects on children's development. Good nutrition helps children learn better and promotes lifelong healthy eating habits. Connecting current scientific research with best practices, Rethinking Nutrition provides information to help you meet and understand children's nutritional and developmental needs. Learn how to: * Promote proper nutrition for the healthy growth of children from birth to age five * Address special dietary needs, including food allergies, obesity, family preferences, and chronic diseases * Establish healthy eating and feeding habits * Use food and mealtimes to promote children's social and intellectual development * Implement food and nutrition policies in early childhood settings Each chapter also provides a series of examples that bring nutrition principles to life in early childhood settings, topic suggestions for staff discussions, sample letters to families, and a list of further readings. Extensive appendixes provide additional information on federal nutrition regulations, preventing food-borne illnesses, the USDA's MyPyramid for Preschoolers, and more. Age Focus: 0-5. Softbound, 192 pgs.

Author Biography

Susan Nitzke, PhD, RD, has been studying and teaching nutrition with a focus on consumers, families, and communities for more than 30 years. She is a professor, extension specialist, and chair of the Nutritional Sciences Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also chair of the Wisconsin Partnership for Physical Activity and Nutrition. Dave Riley, PhD, has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for 20 years, where he is the Rothermel-Bascom professor of human ecology in the department of human development and family studies, and child development specialist for the University of Wisconsin-Extension. Ann Ramminger, MS, has over 25 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, trainer, and consultant in various early care and education systems. She is a professional development specialist working for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center with emphasis on early intervention, parent leadership, and collaborative processes. Georgine Jacobs, MS, has been a professional in the field of early childhood education for over 30 years. Georgine is an active board member of her local NAEYC affiliate and currently teaches at Kids Express Learning Center in Madison with specializations in gardening, nature and art programming for toddlers and preschoolers.