We have all read that obesity in children is reaching epidemic proportions. Children suffer from more allergies than ever before, or at least have been diagnosed with these afflictions earlier than they may have been in past. Bullying is a problem, behavioral issues are a concern, and conditions such as EPP and seasonal allergies may preclude or restrict outdoor play for some children.

So how can you help keep children healthy in a childcare facility?

Problem #1:  Diet - most childcare facilities that provide meals for children either restrict the amount of food provided for classrooms, or give carbohydrate-laden meals to their children. Rotating menus force children to eat the same diet, usually on a 4-week rotating basis. Some centers keep the same menus year after year. Many menus are not child-friendly, but rather economically more viable. If a child absolutely detests a meal, this means that if parents aren't vigilant, the child may skip lunch and fill up on snack items instead. 

Solution: Be an advocate! Either send a nutritious lunch from home on days that you know your child won't eat, or advocate for more raw fruits, vegetables and child-friendly meals for your child. You are paying for the privilege of having your child in a place that provides the food. Make sure the menus posted are those served, and that meals are appetizing and provide all the necessary food groups! Also make certain that snacks aren't just cookies or muffins and canned fruit - you have the right to ask that children to be provided with the occasional vegetarian meal, cut up raw fruit (in season), veggies, crackers, oatmeal, cream of wheat or 5-grain cereal, cereal and milk, toast and applesauce, smoothies, yogurt and other healthy foods. Less pasta and bread and more stir-fries and rice. If your child care center truly cares about the health of their charges, they will make this a priority.

Problem #2:  Exercise - Children in true learning centers as opposed to daycares seldom get enough exercise. Much time is spent on learning basics, which is very important, but it's through play and exercise that children learn social skills, teamwork and the capabilities of their bodies. In our hot Vegas summers, outdoor play time is often restricted, leading teachers to find creative ways to have their children use their gross motor skills, or to simply to cut out playtime completely. Most child care centers do not have the luxury of gyms or a "run around room." For those that do - excellent work!

Solution: Ask your child's teachers and administration about play time. Ask about playground equipment and look closely at it - is it age appropriate, something that your child would enjoy? Is it in good shape, shaded from the hot Vegas sun no matter the time of day? Are there tricycles, cozy coupes, balls, skipping ropes, etc. for children to use? Are there 'mist-ers' under the canopies or along the outside roof overhang?

If the center's budget is really restricted, is there a way you can help a parent group raise money for more playground equipment - can you assist with fund-raisers and ensure they go to good use? Can you help younger children's classrooms benefit by helping raise money for a small, safe, age-appropriate climbing structure inside their classroom? For older children, ask administration if it wouldn't be possible to use an extra classroom as a playroom when weather is too hot or inclement. Perhaps items such as skipping ropes, hula hoops, soft balls for throwing, a basketball hoop and ball, badminton rackets and birdies, a bowling set, soft mats for tumbling, etc. could be placed within this empty classroom to benefit the entire facility, with schedules posted for individual classroom use. 

There are solutions to these concerns about diet and exercise for children - it just takes creative imagination, budgetary reevaluation and a priority mindset to assure that these issues are addressed. It may well take you to steer administration in the right direction. After all, health starts at home, and you are the expert on your child's health.