Working with Children with Special Diets, Allergies and Specialized Feeding Issues

 Course Description: Food allergies affect 1 in 13 children in the United States; with young children being affected the most . Food allergies, food sensitivities and other feeding issues are an increasing concern for early education and care programs.  Participants will be introduced to the health and safety needs of children with special dietary needs and ways to support these children and collaborate with families and health professionals.  Participants will begin to develop their own individual health care plan for children with special diets, allergies, and specialized feeding issues in their program.

 
Course Objectives:
1. Compare and contrast  the symptoms and characteristics of food allergies and food intolerances; Identify basic health and safety needs of children with specialized feeding issues;
2. Assess their programs’ readiness to adapt menus, implement individualized health care plans, and plan emergency procedures to prevent life-threatening allergic reactions;
3. Describe ways to team with families and health professionals to meet the needs of children with food allergies and specialized feeding issues; 
4. Use resources and strategies to support children with specialized feeding issues and their families.

More Information

EEC Training Hours: 5

CEU: 0.5

QRIS Standard Alignment: 2: Safe, Healthy Indoor and Outdoor Environments

Core Competency: Health, Safety and Nutrition