AboutTonya Expertise I can help with the following categories: infant-toddler care,curriculum for two through four year olds, child development associate (CDA), teacher-parent concerns, classroom projects and ideas, developmental questions, lesson planning, developmentally appropriate practice, child care director questions. I can give information based on my experiences, opinions, and education although I cannot answer questions that require psycholgical or developmental diagnosis.
Experience I have worked in the field of early childhood education for fifteen years. I previosly taught preschool and kindergarten. I am currently an administrator for a center accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. I also conduct and attend parent and teacher workshops on various topics related to early childhood.
Organizations National Association for the Education of Young Children
Publications Mailbox Magazine
Local Community Association Newsletter
Newsletter for local chapter of National Association for the Education of Young Children
Education/Credentials BS in Psychology with Early Childhood Credits
Infant-Toddler Certification
Currently working on MS in Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) Advisor
Level Six Maryland Credential
Expert: Tonya Date: 6/14/2008 Subject: Helping parents make good food choices
Question Children bring their own meals and drinks to the long day care center.
How would you help parents support them making good food choices for packed lunches, and knowing how to safely and hygienically transport the food they provide for their children.
Answer Have you ever done parent workshops? This seems like a good topic for a parent night (or lunchtime) workshop. A memo may be less effective since parents may not read it. But an interactive workshop might make a lasting impression -
- show a powerpoint presentation about good food choices and food safety (i am sure if you google "food safety video" or something like that you may be able to find a short video to show to parents)
- gather up all the plastic foods you have in housekeeping and let parents use the foods to create a healthy lunch
- do a fundraiser (like a bake sale) to purchase lunch boxes and cold packs for the children - this may help parents who can't afford the cold packs to use them to keep food at the right temperature
- how old are you children? Perhaps you can involve them by doing a unit on the food pyramid.
- Do you do a weekly/monthly newsletter or memo to parents? If so, perhaps you can add a section on healthy choices - provide parents with food ideas and healthy recipes
So...these things just came off the top of my head. If you need more ideas please let me know! I will be SO GLAD to help.
