Children, those in day care included, need healthy snacks between meals to support learning and play. Offering snacks increases a child's nutrient intake, which keeps her healthy and allows her to grow and develop. The snacks offered at a daycare should be low in fat, calories, salt, sugar and cholesterol, but should be nutrient-dense.
Fruit
Fruit is a convenient and inexpensive snack that offers many health benefits for children in daycare. Fiber is a nutrient that is found in most types of fruit and supports healthy digestion, and protects a child from developing heart disease later in life. Offer a variety of in-season fruits with a small amount of low fat yogurt to dip it in. This combination offers protein and carbohydrates, which fuels little bodies and helps them learn new things. Be sure that the fruit is small enough that it doesn't pose a choking hazard. Good choices include berries, melon, apples, oranges, bananas and kiwis.
Crackers And Cheese
A snack of crackers and cheese comes together quickly, and is something that many children enjoy eating, making it ideal for a group of children in a daycare center. Children of all ages need calcium to support their growing bones and cheese is an optimal source of this vital nutrient. Cheese is also a good source of protein for healthy muscle development. Serve cheese slices with whole grain crackers, which offer fiber and complex carbohydrates. For picky eaters, try serving cheese cut into different shapes with a small cookie cutter to increase its appeal.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats that protect day care children's hearts and brains. Serve peanut butter on graham crackers, whole grain toast, or rice cakes or with sliced apples and celery. These snacks fill children up with a reasonable amount of calories and prevents them from becoming overly hungry before the next meal. If there is a child in a day care with a peanut allergy, prepare his snack separately to prevent cross contamination or skip serving peanut butter altogether.
Guacamole
Many children enjoy the appeal of dipping their foods and guacamole is an ideal dip because it is nutrient-dense. Guacamole is made from mashed avocado mixed with tomato and garlic. Avocados are a good source of healthy fats that keep children's hearts working efficiently. They also offer potassium, which maintains blood pressure and fiber to satisfy hunger. Serve guacamole with baked tortilla chips or sliced vegetables. Avocados are higher in calories than other vegetables so offer moderate portions to children in day care; the equivalent of about 1/4 of an avocado.
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