Accommodating children with special dietary needs
14-Jun-2020 12:03
Some young children also have trouble digesting high-fiber foods.
When a child with a food allergy ingests that food, he may have an allergic reaction.
Child care providers and directors should discuss the specific vegetarian diet with the parents, and decide how to accommodate the child's needs.
If the menus cannot be changed completely, you may be able to make some substitutions for children who do not eat meat or other animal products.
Others may avoid all meats but eat dairy products and eggs.
Nutrition Services under an IEP IDEA requirements may impact the service of meals.
If a meal modification for a child’s disability can be made within the Program meal pattern, a medical statement is not necessary.
See the Meal Modifications section of the If this information is already in your child’s IEP or 504 Plan, you may not need a separate medical statement. Clear communication about the requirements for the medical statement can help reduce the burden for families, school service professionals, and other school personnel.
The program director or child care provider should ask parents about food needs and family eating patterns before enrolling their child in the child care program.
Decide whether or not the program can provide the foods that meet the child’s special dietary needs before agreeing to enroll that child in the child care program.Breakfast: For more information on supporting children with special needs in a child care program, check out the e Xtension Alliance for Better Child Care section on Child Care for Children with Special Needs.