# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:

KidsHealth.org is a trusted, doctor-reviewed health education platform created by the Nemours Foundation. It offers age-appropriate articles, videos, and interactive tools for children, teens, parents, and educators. Topics range from physical and mental health to nutrition, safety, and development.

Why I chose this resource:

I chose this resource because it provides reliable health information tailored to different age groups. It helps spark conversations and learning about health, giving educators and families a practical way to support children’s well-being.

Intended audience:

This resource is designed for children, teens, parents, caregivers, and educators. It is a great tool for sparking conversations about health, especially in classrooms and child care settings.

How I plan to use it:

I plan to use the site’s kid-friendly videos and articles during health and wellness lessons. The educator section offers lesson plans and handouts (amazing), which I could incorporate into classroom activities. I’ll also share relevant content with families to reinforce learning at home.

Source/Link/Reference:

https://kidshealth.org/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nemours KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KidsHealth is the #1 most-trusted source for physician-reviewed information and advice on children's health and parenting issues. For parents, kids, teens, and educators, in English and in Spanish.

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:
This resource provides practical sun safety guidance for parents and caregivers, including tips for protecting babies, children, and teens from harmful UV radiation. It explains why children are more sensitive to sun damage, and shares smart strategies like using shade, dressing appropriately, applying sunscreen properly, and checking the UV Index.

Why I chose this resource:
I came across this sun safety resource while researching for our group project, and it quickly became one of my favorites. It’s from a reliable Canadian health authority and lays everything out cleary. It totally lines up with what we aim for in child care, keeping safety simple and consistent. Plus, as the summer months are now here, we’re spending more time outside, this is a great reminder on sun safe practice.

Intended audience:
This guide is great for families, educators, and anyone responsible for keeping little ones safe during outdoor time.

How I plan to use it:
I’ll be using this to help shape our sun safety routines at work, like when and where we play outside, what reminders we give to staff and kids, and how we communicate with families. Maybe even printing out some tips to keep posted on the bulletin wall.

Source/Link/Reference:

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/sun-safety-tips-parents.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Babies and young children have sensitive skin that can be damaged easily by ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

On this page:

Practice sun protection year-round. Children learn best from your example.

Why children are at risk

Extreme heat from the sun can be dangerous for all children, especially infants and young children.

Babies are not born with a developed skin protection system, so they burn more easily. Even children born to parents with dark skin need full protection.

Babies have more sensitive skin because the outer layer of their skin is thinner.

A young child has more skin (relative to body mass) than an adult, so sunburns can be very serious.

A baby can't tell you when they're too hot or the sun's too bright. Your baby may begin to cry and you won't know whether they're tired, hungry, or hot.

Babies can't physically move themselves out of the sunlight. A six-month old on a blanket is less mobile than a one-year old who can toddle into the shade.

Babies totally rely on their caregivers to protect them from the sun and other related risks.

Did you know?

You and your baby or child can sunburn in only 15 minutes depending on the UV index value. If the UV index is low (from 0-2), the risk of getting too much sun is low, and no protection is needed. If the UV index is between 3 and 7, you need protection. A UV index higher than 8 calls for extra protection. In the tropics, the index could be higher than 10.

Tips for babies

Keep babies under one year out of direct sunlight to prevent skin damage and dehydration. Never let them play or sleep in the sun.

Keep babies in the shade, under a tree, an umbrella, or a canopy. Never leave children in a parked vehicle.

Remember, sunscreen will protect against the sun's harmful UV rays, but will not protect children from the heat.

Give lots of cool liquids. Water or breast milk are best.

Do not put sunscreen on a baby less than 6 months old without asking your health care provider first.

Never use baby oil to protect children from the sun. It will not protect them and will do them more harm.

Tips for children

Follow the UV index readings each day to plan outdoor activities.

The sun's UVB rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and it is also usually the hottest time of day. Unless the child is protected, keep them out of the sun during these hours.

In strong sunlight, have children wear a rimmed, breathable sun hat and sunglasses, and cover their skin with clothes or sunscreen.

Get your children used to wearing sunscreen lotion early on. Pay close attention to the areas that are most exposed, like their face, lips, ears, neck, shoulders, back, knees, and the tops of their feet.

Never let young children stay in the sun for long periods, even when wearing sunscreen.

Tips for teens

Encourage teens to follow the sun safety tips above.

Give teenagers sunscreen lotion if they are going to be outdoors for extended periods. Make sure they understand the importance of using it.

Teach teens about sun safety, how to understand the UV Index, and the symptoms of sunburns and heat illness.

Warn teenagers to avoid using tanning equipment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information and tips to help you keep your children safe from the sun.

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:

The Canada Food Guide Snapshot is a bright, easy-to-follow visual that lays out what healthy eating can look like in everyday life. It highlights the importance of eating plenty of veggies and fruit, choosing whole grains and protein-rich foods and focusing on habits like cooking at home, eating with others, and cutting back on highly processed foods.

Why I chose this resource:

I chose this resource because it’s so clear and approachable, making nutrition simple to talk about and share. The visuals are great for engaging kids and starting those meaningful conversations with families about food and healthy choices. It’s a perfect fit for introducing healthy eating in a childcare setting where quick, visual tools can make all the difference.

Intended audience:

This guide is perfect for educators, families, and anyone who’s helping children build strong, lifelong eating habits. It’s also a helpful tool for professional development in early childhood education.

How I plan to use it:

I plan to put this up in our classroom and use it during snack and mealtime chats with the kids. It’s such an easy way to talk about what’s on our plates, why variety matters, and how to make good choices. Helping children learn about food groups and balanced meals in a fun, visual way. I’ll also share it with families to support consistent messaging between home and school.

Source/Link/Reference:

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/food-guide-snapshot/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The food guide snapshot has two main images. The first image shows a glass of water and a plate with food. This statement appears at the top:

Eat a variety of healthy foods each day.

There are four messages around the plate. They are:

have plenty of vegetables and fruits

choose whole grain foods

eat protein foods

make water your drink of choice

On half of the plate are vegetables and fruits (broccoli, carrots, blueberries, strawberries, green and yellow bell peppers, apples, red cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, squash and green peas). On one-quarter of the plate are protein foods (lean meat, chicken, variety of nuts and seeds, lentils, eggs, tofu, yogurt, fish, beans). On the remaining one-quarter of the plate are whole grain foods (whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, wild rice, red quinoa, brown rice).

The second image shows seven boxes, each with their own message and image.

This statement appears at the top:

Healthy eating is more than the foods you eat.

The first box says, Be mindful of your eating habits.

The image shows two adults eating breakfast together.

The second box says, Cook more often.

The image shows an adult and child cooking together.

The third box says, Enjoy your food.

The image shows a bowl of food.

The fourth box says, Eat meals with others.

The image shows a group of people sharing a meal.

The fifth box says, Use food labels.

The image shows the hands of a person holding two cans of food. The nutrition facts tables on the cans are shown.

The sixth box says, Limit foods high in sodium, sugars or saturated fat.

The image shows highly processed foods such as baked goods, pizza, a soft drink, chocolate and a hot dog.

The seventh box says, Be aware of food marketing.

The image shows a person looking at a food advertisement on a cellphone and computer screen.

This statement appears at the bottom:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The food guide snapshot has two main images. The first image shows a glass of water and a plate with food. This statement appears at the top: Eat a variety of healthy foods each day. There are four messages around the plate.

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:
Sparky Schoolhouse is an interactive fire safety education platform created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It offers free videos, games, songs, lesson plans, and printable activities designed to teach children about fire prevention and safety in fun ways. The site supports learning at school and at home, with resources tailored for educators, families, and kids.

Why I chose this resource:
First of all, I can remember Sparky the Fire Dog from my days in elementary school! I picked this resource because fire safety can sometimes be a tricky topic to make engaging, and this site does an awesome job of making it relatable for kids. Through music, storytelling, and hands-on games, it helps children really absorb the safety messages without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it’s a huge help for educators with ready-to-go materials that connect with what we’re already doing in our programming.

Intended audience:
It’s perfect for preschool and elementary-age kids, along with their teachers, caregivers, and families who want to reinforce safety skills in fun, engaging ways.

How I plan to use it:
I plan to incorporate the videos and printable activities into fire safety week programming. The singalongs and games can be used during circle time to reinforce key safety concepts. I’ll also share family-friendly resources to extend learning at home.

Source/Link/Reference:
https://sparkyschoolhouse.org/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Help Sparky the Fire Dog® practice his home fire escape plan before going to the carnival! When you hear the Beep, Beep, Beep of a smoke alarm, help him find a safe way to his outside meeting place, unlocking three cool mini-games that teach addition, spelling and problem solving skills.

Sparky the Fire Dog's ® new free trivia app challenges students to work alone or team up with friends and classmates to answer questions on standards-aligned subjects like math, science, pop culture and fire safety.

Watch the video

More options: Amazon

(Ages 8-11)

Sparky the Fire Dog's ® brand new app is loaded with games and activities perfect for teaching your early learner how to stay safe in case of a fire, plus early math, reading and literacy skills.

Watch the video

More options: Amazon

(Ages 3-7)

Teach kids important fire-safety skills with Sparky's Birthday Surprise, a new free app jam-packed with games, activities, coloring pages, and even a sing-a-long. With bright graphics and kid-friendly tappable animations throughout, this free app is aligned to Common Core State Standards in English, Language Arts and Math.

Watch the video

Sparky the Fire Dog® and his friends set out to solve a mystery in The Case of the Missing Smoke Alarms, a free app that teaches kids fire-safety skills with a compelling new story, standards-aligned materials and loads of fun tappable animations.

Watch the video

More options: Amazon

(Ages 6-10)

In this fun and original FREE app, children are shown by Sparky the Fire Dog himself what a smoke alarm looks like. They will learn the sound a smoke alarm makes, and what to do when they hear that sound. The app, designed for children ages three to five, combines a fun matching game with learning about smoke alarms. This message is especially important to small children, who may not recognize the sound or are unaware that hearing a smoke alarm means get outside and stay outside.

(Ages 3-5)
Available for iPad and iPhone

Written by New York Times bestselling authors, this free eBook is ideal for reinforcing fire-safety messages with students while building critical skills in reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and more. Rescue Dogs, Firefighting Heroes, and Science Facts meets Common Core State Standards in English, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science through a combination of nonfiction, fictional stories, scientific diagrams, and poetry.

Learn Not to Burn Preschool

NFPA created the Learn Not to Burn® Preschool Program in 1991 to address the high risks children under the age of five face in regards to fatal home fires.

The updated program integrates literacy, movement, music, and dramatic play to provide a developmentally appropriate learning experience for preschool-aged children.

Five lessons tap into varied learning styles to reinforce the safety concepts for young children. The behaviors and strategies addressed in the revised program are guided by research related to fire and life safety messaging and young children including the use of positively-framed messages, opportunities for active engagement and encouragement of family involvement.

The Learn Not to Burn Preschool Program lessons are intended for 3-5 year old children.

Available in English and Spanish.

See Videos Download MP3s

Learn Not to Burn Kindergarten

Learn Not to Burn® (LNTB) Kindergarten presents six fire-safety messages using classroom lesson, activities and home connections. It can be taught as a stand-alone fire safety unit or easily integrated in language arts core curriculum lessons. The fire department can be invited to the classroom throughout the program to support the fire-safety messages taught. LNTB is an easy to use flexible guide for teachers to respond to the needs of the classroom. Make time for fire safety in your classroom.

See Videos

Learn Not to Burn Grade 1

Learn Not to Burn Grade 1 presents six fire safety messages using classroom lessons, activities and home connections. It can be taught as a stand-alone fire safety unit or easily integrated in language arts core curriculum lessons. The fire department can be invited to the classroom throughout the program to support the fire safety messages taught. Learn Not to Burn is an easy to use flexible guide for teachers to respond to the needs of the classroom. Make time for fire safety education in your classroom.

See Videos

Learn Not to Burn Grade 2

Learn Not to Burn Grade 2 presents six fire safety messages using classroom lessons, activities and home connections. It can be taught as a stand-alone fire safety unit or easily integrated in language arts core curriculum lessons. The fire department can be invited to the classroom throughout the program to support the fire safety messages taught. Learn Not to Burn is an easy to use guide for teachers to respond to the needs of the classroom. Make time for fire safety education in your classroom.

See Videos

Birthday Party Phonics

In this lesson, students will learn to navigate their way to safety, solve the clues to reveal the hidden birthday party characters, drag-and-drop the dogs at their Outside Meeting Places, and more. Download the White Board and the Flip Chart lessons for your classroom.

You're a Star

(Grades PreK-1)
This lesson will turn your students into fire-safety superstars, especially if they practice the 4 fire escape movements in the "Little Rosalie" music video by SteveSongs.

Data, Data Everywhere

(Grades 2-3)
Using a data collecting activity, students will work in pairs to learn the concept of
recording data and create bar graphs, using information they gather from the "What's that Sound" music video by Recess Monkey.

The Great Chicago Fire

(Grades 3-5) Help your students understand the risk of injury from a fire, and partake in community responsibility through the Great Chicago Fire lesson plan and handouts. Use the video along with the activity!

Firefighting's Weird History & Fascinating Future

(Grades 2-5) Download a standards-aligned classroom lesson plan that includes an informational text reading and related discussion questions to use alongside the Firefighting's Weird History & Fascinating Future video.

Little Rosalie

Show your students how to identify the sound of a smoke alarm and what to do if it sounds. You can play the "Little Rosalie" music video to bring these lessons to life in a fun way for your students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sparky School House - Teach Fire Safety. Save lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Help Sparky the Fire Dog® practice his home fire escape plan before going to the carnival! When you hear the Beep, Beep, Beep of a smoke alarm, help him find a safe way to his outside meeting place, unlocking three cool mini-games that teach addition, spelling and problem solving skills.

# data[].attributes.headline
Food Flair™ Early Learning Practitioners Resource

# data[].attributes.subject
Food Flair™ Early Learning Practitioners Resource

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:

Food Flair is one of my favorite finds. It’s a well-rounded resource packed with nutrition tips, recipes, and playful activities that make learning about food feel fun and doable for young kids. Created by nutritionists through the LEAP BC™ initiative, it's designed to promote lifelong healthy choices through early learning.

Why I chose this resource:

I was drawn to this guide because it goes beyond just giving nutrition advice, it shows how to weave healthy eating into everyday life with activities that are creative and age-appropriate. It’s practical, family-friendly, and super supportive for anyone working in early learning. Plus, I love resources that bring learning to life in fun, inclusive ways!

Intended audience:

This one’s ideal for early childhood educators, caregivers, and families looking for hands-on ways to support healthy eating habits. It’s also a great addition to any professional development toolbox in child care programs.

How I plan to use it:

I’ll be bringing these activities and recipes into our weekly plans to spark learning through play. Whether it’s cooking together or exploring new foods. I also plan to use the family engagement ideas to build stronger school-home connections around nutrition, making healthy habits something we all work on together.

Source/Link/Reference:

https://decoda.ca/resource/food-flair-early-learning-practitioners-resource/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Food Flair™ Early Learning Practitioners Resource - Decoda Literacy Solutions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This resource contains information for early learning practitioners about healthy eating, along with recipes and fun activities to do with children.

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:

Plant-Based Juniors is an evidence-based nutrition platform created by two registered dietitians (who are also moms), Whitney English and Alexandra Caspero. This site is full of practical resources, recipes, and super helpful tools like the PB3 Plate and supplement guides. It’s designed to support families in raising healthy kids with plant-forward diets, from pregnancy through the toddler years.

Why I chose this resource:

I came across Plant-Based Juniors while researching for my food diversity assignment, and it instantly stood out. This resource bridges the gap between science and real-life parenting. It doesn’t push one “perfect” way of eating but instead supports families wherever they’re at, whether they’re totally plant-based or just looking to include more veggies and whole foods. It’s exactly the kind of supportive, evidence-based resource I love sharing with families and using in early learning spaces.

Intended audience:

This site is awesome for families, early learning educators, and anyone working with young children who wants guidance around healthy, plant-centered eating.

How I plan to use it:

I’ll definitely be trying the PB3 Plate and meal ideas when planning snacks and meals in our program. I’ll also share the supplement and feeding guides with families to support consistent, informed choices at home and in care settings.

Source/Link/Reference:

https://plantbasedjuniors.com/about/

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:
Caring for Kids is a trusted health information platform developed by the Canadian Pediatric Society. The “Resources and Links” section offers a curated list of reliable organizations, tools, and websites that support children’s health, development, safety, and well-being. It includes links to children’s hospitals, mental health services, special needs resources, and national health campaigns.

Why I chose this resource:
I selected this resource for its comprehensive collection of reliable, Canadian-based supports, all conveniently accessible in one location. It’s an excellent tool for educators and families seeking trusted, expert-reviewed guidance on key topics such as immunization, child development, and mental health.

Intended audience:
This resource is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and health professionals who support children and youth in Canada.

How I plan to use it:
I plan to use this resource as a go-to reference for sharing accurate health information with families and for guiding my own professional learning. It’s also a great tool for connecting families with specialized services or supports when needed.

Source/Link/Reference:

https://caringforkids.cps.ca/resources/resources_and_links

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Caring for Kids provides parents with information about their child’s health and well-being. Because the site is developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society, you can be sure the information is reliable.

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:

The Child Care First Aid guide by the Canadian Red Cross is a comprehensive digital resource that outlines essential first aid procedures specifically for child care settings. It covers essential first aid steps, CPR for infants and kids, and practical tips for preventing injuries and handling common health issues..

Why I chose this resource:

I selected this resource because it’s designed for caregivers and educators working with young children. It provides clear, practical instructions and aligns with provincial safety standards, making it a reliable tool for both learning and reference in real-world situations. It’s one of those tools that gives you both confidence and clarity in real emergency situations.

Intended audience:

This resource is intended for early childhood educators, child care providers, and families. It’s also suitable for professional development and certification preparation in child-focused first aid.

How I plan to use it:

I’ll be using it to build stronger safety habits in our classroom, whether that’s reviewing CPR techniques, brushing up on illness response, or walking through injury prevention with the team. Even though we have all taken the course, it is important to stay prepared. I also want to share it with families so we’re all on the same page and working together to keep our little ones safe and well.

Source/Link/Reference:

Child Care First Aid – Canadian Red Cross (PDF)

# data[].attributes.headline
Choking Prevention for Babies & Children 

# data[].attributes.subject
Choking Prevention for Babies & Children 

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:

This resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics offers essential guidance on preventing choking in infants and young children. It lists common hazards like certain foods, small toys, and household items, and shares simple tips for creating safe eating and play environments. It also covers the importance of supervision, age-appropriate materials, and emergency preparedness.

Why I chose this resource:

I selected this resource because choking is a serious and preventable risk in early childhood. The guide is clear, well-researched, and tailored to the realities of working with infants and young children. It feels like something I can actually use, and it’s a valuable tool for helping both educators and families feel more confident about safety.

Intended audience:
It’s designed for anyone caring for young children: parents, caregivers, early childhood educators, and health professionals working with children under age five.

How I plan to use it:
I’ll be using this resource to take a closer look at our current snack routines and play setups to make sure everything’s as safe as possible. It will help me identify and remove potential hazards, educate families about safe practices, and reinforce supervision strategies during mealtimes and free play.

Source/Link/Reference:
Choking Prevention for Babies & Children – HealthyChildren.org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Choking can be prevented. Food accounts for over 50% of choking episodes.

But, also be alert for small objects that can cause choking, such as coins, buttons, and small toys. Check under furniture and between cushions for small items that children could find and put in their mouths.

Toys are designed to be used by children within a certain age range. Age guidelines take into account the safety of a toy based on any possible choking hazard. Don't let young children play with toys designed for older children.

Choking Hazard Items

Keep items that are choking hazards away from babies and young children. These include:

Choking Hazard Foods

Some foods can cause choking. Keep foods such as grapes, hot dogs, raw carrots, or peanuts away from babies and young children. Cut food for babies and young children into pieces no larger than one-half inch. Encourage children to chew food well. Supervise meal times. Insist that children sit down while eating. Children should never run, walk, play, or lie down with food in their mouths. Be aware of older children's actions. Many choking incidents are caused when an older child gives a dangerous toy or food to a younger child.

Keep the following foods away from children younger than 4 years:

Additional Information:

First Aid for Families (PedFACTs) (Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
choking~ choke~ cpr~ preventing choking~ how to perform cpr~ solid foods~ choking hazard~ gum~ hot dog~ marble~ mouth~ toys~ balloons~ solids~ cardiopulmonary resuscitation~ choking prevention~ choking hazards~ dangerous~ keep child from choking

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Choking can be prevented. Food accounts for over 50% of choking episodes. But, also be alert for small objects that can cause choking, such as coins, buttons, and small toys. Check under furniture and between cushions for small items that children could find and put in their mouths.

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:

This resource from AboutKidsHealth, developed by SickKids, is such a great guide for feeding toddlers and preschoolers. It’s packed with sample meal plans, snack ideas, and smart tips for introducing new foods and handling picky eating, all while keeping mealtime positive. The content is grounded in developmental nutrition, with a big focus on balanced meals and the developmental needs of young children.

Why I chose this resource:

I selected this resource because it provides clear, evidence-based strategies for supporting healthy eating habits in young children. It offers effective ideas for navigating some of the more challenging parts of feeding young kids, like food refusal, choking risks, and unpredictable appetites.

Intended audience:

This resource is designed for anyone working with little ones: parents, caregivers, early childhood educators, and health professionals working with children ages 1 to 5.

How I plan to use it:

I plan to use the sample meal plans and food group suggestions to help guide weekly menu planning in our child care setting. I also want to use some of the tips during snack and mealtime chats and share them with families to help build consistent feeding routines between home and care.

Source/Link/Reference:

Feeding Your Toddler or Preschooler – AboutKidsHealth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Discover some easy, creative and nutritious meal and snack ideas for your toddler or preschooler.

Children from age one to four usually are usually exploring new foods and developing their eating habits. Meal plans can help them enjoy a variety of foods while saving you time during the week.

Balancing the food groups for toddlers

Meet your child's needs by including food from all food groups in their diet. Continue to offer new food to encourage a wider variety of food choices in your child's diet.

You do not need to restrict fat in your child's diet when they are under the age of two. Their rapid growth needs the high energy content that fat delivers. In addition, a child's brain grows rapidly in the first two years of life. Your child needs fat to support this growth and development. For children under the age of two, choose high-fat cheese and yogurt as well as high-fat, homogenized (3.25%) milk.

Keep a balance among the food groups to encourage healthy eating.

Sample meal plan

This sample meal plan will help give you a start with "creative" meal planning for your family. Feel free to change it to suit your child's or family's needs using the suggestions listed below.

Food ideas by food group

Remember that toddlers are still learning to chew and swallow. Be sure to offer soft, bite-sized pieces of food small enough for them to manage. You can make the pieces a little bigger as your child becomes better at eating and chewing, but you still need to be aware of the risk of choking.

Vegetables and fruit (in bite-sized pieces)

Peeled cucumber

Peeled, soft apple pieces

Orange wedges or slices

Mini broccoli trees (blanched or steamed, if needed)

Grain products

Cereal (O-shaped cereal especially)

Whole wheat toast fingers

Whole wheat pasta

Whole wheat pita or chapatti

Whole wheat couscous or brown rice

Milk and alternatives

3.25% fat milk (homogenized)

Cheese cut into bite-sized cubes

Plain yogurt with berries

Cottage cheese (low sodium, if available)

Meat and alternatives (in bite-sized pieces)

Turkey, beef, pork mini meatballs

Spaghetti sauce made with ground chicken or extra lean ground beef

Mini chicken kebabs (remove skewer before serving)

Baked or barbecued fish

Meals and snacks for preschoolers

Children between the ages of two and four are exploring new foods. Remember to provide a variety of foods in a relaxed atmosphere and at predictable times.

Regular meal and snack times will help you establish a predictable eating routine. Use Canada's Food Guide to help you include three of the four food groups at each meal and one or two of the food groups at each snack.

Other tips for keeping meal times enjoyable:

Let your child's appetite be the guide. It is normal for your child to eat and drink more on some days and less on others.

Keep a relaxed atmosphere when your preschooler eats. This sets a positive tone for them to enjoy food with others. Engage all family members in conversation, including your preschooler.

At times, your preschooler may want to leave the table to go play. Have a set of family rules about when children are allowed to leave the table. Sitting together and eating is an important time for your family, but try to be flexible so that eating does not become a chore or punishment.

Meal planning

Once your child is a preschooler, you can ask them to help you with meal planning. Use this opportunity to teach them about Canada's Food Guide and have them pick out foods from each food group. This will help them learn more about nutrition and healthy food choices.

Other ways to include your preschooler in family meal times

Help your child become familiar with what is involved in planning meals. For example, have them check ingredients and write a shopping list.

Allow your child to help prepare and cook a meal in a safe way, for instance by helping to wash vegetables or add ingredients into a mixing bowl.

Offer foods that are easy for your child to eat on their own.

Follow a meal plan like the one below to help you plan your preschooler's meals and snacks.

Sample meal plan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover some easy, creative and nutritious meal and snack ideas for your toddler or preschooler.

# data[].attributes.headline
Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (0–4 years)

# data[].attributes.subject
Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (0–4 years)

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:

This resource from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) shares age-specific recommendations for movement, rest, and screen-free time for little ones, from ages 0-4. It’s all about finding the right balance throughout the day to help kids grow and thrive. The guidelines are rooted in research and developed with input from families and professionals who work with young children.

Why I chose this resource:

I chose this guide because it really gets how all parts of a child’s day (from playtime to nap time), work together to support their well-being. I love that it doesn’t just focus on physical activity, but also reminds us how sleep and screen time matter too. It’s clear, practical, and easy to apply to everyday routines in child care.

Intended audience:

It’s designed for anyone caring for young children, from educators, families, to health professionals supporting kids in those early years.

How I plan to use it:

I’ll use this as a go-to when planning our daily schedule, making sure we include the right balance between active movement and downtime. I also plan to share it with families so we can work together to build healthy habits at home and in care.

Source/Link/Reference:

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years – CSEP

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years combine physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines into one, and include sleep; showing the interrelationship between all three behaviours. Canadian kids aged four and under are spending too much time in front of screens, which prevents them from meeting new movement behaviour guidelines. This current reality demonstrates that today's release of the new Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years - a world's first for this age group - couldn't come at a better time.

These Guidelines were developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (HALO) at the CHEO Research Institute, the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta, the Public Health Agency of Canada, ParticipACTION and a group of leading researchers from Canada and around the world, with input from over 600 national and international stakeholders.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Early Years 0-4 Years - 24-Hour Movement Guidelines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years combine physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines into one, and include sleep; showing the interrelationship between all three behaviours. Canadian kids aged four and under are spending too much time in front of screens, which prevents them from meeting new movement behaviour guidelines.

# data[].attributes.body
Synopsis:

This CPS position statement explores the developmental, physical, and psychosocial impacts of screen media on children under five. It introduces four simple but powerful principles: minimize, mitigate, mindfully use, and model. These help adults create healthier screen habits for kids, in a world where technology is everywhere. What I really appreciated was how it reminds us that young children learn best through hands-on, real-life interactions, and not just by watching a screen.

Why I chose this resource:

I selected this resource because it offers clear, research-backed guidance tailored to early childhood. It’s more than just saying “less screen time”. It’s about being intentional, thoughtful, and aware of what kids are absorbing. It gave me practical ways to think about screen use and how to support children’s growth while still recognizing the digital world around us.

Intended audience:

This resource is super helpful for early childhood educators, families, child care providers, and anyone working with children under five.

How I plan to use it:
I’ll be using the four “M”s in our child care setting to shape how we handle screen time. It will help me set thoughtful limits, choose quality content, and model healthy habits. I’ll also share it with families, so we’re on the same page about healthy screen use both at home and in care (kids are likely seeing more screens at home).

Source/Link/Reference:

Screen Time and Preschool Children – Canadian Paediatric Society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world | Canadian Paediatric Society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
COVID-19 transformed the family media environment and spurred research on the effects of screen media exposure and use on young children. This update of a 2017 CPS statement re-examines the potential benefits and risks of screen media in children younger than 5 years, with focus on developmental, psychosocial, and physical health. Four evidence-based principles—minimizing, mitigating, mindfully using, and modelling healthy use of screens—continue to guide children’s early experience with a rapidly changing media landscape. Knowing how…