To develop and evaluate an action plan that addresses children’s common nutrient deficiencies.

As a Head Start teacher, you know that many of the children you work with do not have access to foods that are essential for optimum growth and development. You are also aware that several children in your classroom have recently been diagnosed with anemia. After doing considerable research and reading, you arrange to meet with a dietitian at the local hospital. She explains which nutrient deficiencies are most common among children who live in the area and the challenges their families often face in providing healthy foods. When you return to your school, you begin to formulate a plan with the objective of improving the children’s nutritional understanding and food intake status of the children in your classroom. The first thing you decide to do is to develop a list of nutritious snacks that can be distributed to the children’s families in a handout and be served at school.

Focus assignment

1. Define anemia, explain the cause, and describe the effects it has on children’s development. Create a 10-day, low-cost snack menu that addresses the four major nutrient deficiencies that are common among young, at-risk children.
2. Be sure to read the REFLECTION section below to guide your thinking. Write your reflection response after you have completed your plan.

Self-evaluation

1. For each item on your plan:
 a. Explain how this item addresses the issues in the scenario.

2. Describe and justify how your plan would improve teaching and learning in the scenario.