Position of the American Dietetic Association: benchmarks for nutrition programs in child care settings.

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that all child care programs should achieve recommended benchmarks for meeting children's nutrition and nutrition education needs in a safe, sanitary, and supportive environment that promotes healthy growth and development. Use of child care is the norm for America's families. It is essential, therefore, that nutrition professionals work in partnership with child care providers and with children's families to ensure that meals and snacks consumed in child care settings meet children's nutrition needs and provide them with excellent models of healthy dietary patterns. This position provides guidance and information about resources for nutrition professionals, health care practitioners, child care providers, and parents regarding meal plans, food preparation and food service, physical and social environment, and nutrition consultation and training for child care.