Rhea Sambile- Present

Fathima Sheriff- Present

Najia Shoukat- Present

Authentic- Sleep and nutrition are crucial for children. Sleep is essential for 80% of growth development. Preschoolers should be consuming anywhere from 1400-1700 calories per day.

Speak the truth- Malnutrition and hunger are increasing due to the cost of groceries and living. Many families and children are facing a food insecurity.

Human- Plan what you eat, Take time to eat, Cook more often and eating with others can help a child's development. I make it mandatory in my house to eat all our meals together at the table and discuss how our day is going or how it went. My children love it and look forward to it everyday.

Questions- How do we make food more accessible?

Present: Preschoolers should consume 1400-1700 calories daily; However, many
preschoolers go through a phase of being picky eaters or are facing poverty and hence are not getting the right amount and kind of nutrition which is optimal for their growth.

Authentic: Eat plenty of fruits, whole grains foods, organic proteins and vegetables. Make water your preferred choice of drink. Stay away from processed foods and build a healthy relationship with food where you watch how you eat, when you eat and why you eat.

Truth: Nutrition and sleep plays a major role in child development. Lack of sleep and under nourished children can suffer from stunted cognitive, physical and social-emotional growth.

Human: Indigenous children were subjected to ill treatment and nutritional experimentation by the Canadian government in the residential schools, without their consent. This has had long lasting effects on the indigenous population and their health.

Questions: How can we help children in Canada and around the world who are facing malnutirion, poverty, lack of sleep and safety if we know that nutrition and sleep has such a profound effect on child development?

Social Media: How to promote healthy eating in your early childhood service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smSvShtIInc

Authentic - 3-6 year old should be eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy everyday. Children also need 80% of sleep for growth.

Speak Your Truth - Poor diets in early childhood can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and nutrients. Many factors are contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition in Canada.

Human - Food is a tool for physical growth and bonding. When parents prepare meals with children, they are bonding through food.

Q: How can mealtimes foster a child’s sense of security and routine, especially in environments where children may face inconsistent access to food.

Websites:

National Institute of Health (NIH)

World Health Organization (WHO)

Authentic: Good nutrition is crucial for children’s growth and long-term health. Following a balanced diet and the Canada Food Guide will support a child's overall development. Proper sleep will also help children to have a healthy mental health.

Truth: Many families cannot afford healthy and nutritious food because it is not cost-friendly. Some families receive food from the food bank, which is not enough, and sometimes, food is all in cans. There are not enough healthy foods and vegetables because fewer and fewer people are donating, and more people are registering for food donations.

Human: Our role as educators is to help children understand the benefits of eating healthy food. We educate them on how this food helps in their development and continually remind them of the positive effects that will continue in their lives.

Question: How can we maintain a balanced diet if healthy food prices are increasing because of the country's economic issue