Nutrition in Early Childhood Development
The Importance of Childhood Nutrition
We all agree that our children’s emotional and intellectual health are crucial to their current and future success. We also agree that the right foods play are large role in their physical health and growth. But how does nutrition affect early childhood development as a whole?
Studies have shown that nutrition, in fact, plays a large role in a child’s brain development. According to urbanchildinsitute.org, “A proper balance of nutrients…is critical for normal brain development. Shortages of nutrients…can impair cognitive and motor development, and these effects are often irreversible. Similarly, there is growing evidence that DHA, an essential fatty acid, is a key component of the intensive production of synapses that makes the first years of life a critical period of learning and development. Many other nutrients…have been linked specifically to early brain functioning.” The studies into nutrients and brain development are extensive and often complicated. When it comes down to it, though, the conclusion is simple: when children are provided with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet their brains are given opportunity to fully develop.
Nutrition at Building Kidz
The significance of nutrition in early childhood development has also been noted by many preschool teachers. One preschool teacher put it this way: “If they are not eating the right foods, they are not going to function right” (thestkittsnevisobserver.com). At Building Kidz, we agree with this statement. So, we make it a part of our daily program to feed each and every child food that will allow to function at their full potential.
Each day at our campuses equipped with a kitchen, we provide breakfast, lunch, and two snacks for each child. The snacks and meals are planned ahead of time so that we can ensure we have fresh ingredients on hand. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy grains and dairies, are daily staples at Building Kidz. Healthy nutrition is just as important to us as academic and emotional well-being. It is just another way we help develop the whole child.