Illinois Administrative Code › Title 89 - SOCIAL SERVICES › Part 408 - LICENSING STANDARDS FOR GROUP DAY CARE HOMES › Section 408.80 - Nutrition and Meals

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 28, July 12, 2024
a) Food
				requirements for children between birth and the age of eating table food shall
				be geared to the individual needs of the child and determined by consultation
				with the parents. The facility shall provide one-third to two-thirds of the
				daily nutritional requirements, depending on the length and time of day of the
				child's stay. The main meal shall be nutritionally balanced conforming to age
				appropriate portions and variety as reflected in the Meal Pattern Charts,
				Appendices A and B.
b) Children one
				year of age and older in attendance for more than 2 but less than 5 hours shall
				be served a mid-session snack consisting of one-half cup of pure fruit juice or
				full-strength canned or frozen fruit juice that contains at least 30 milligrams
				of Vitamin C per serving, or one to one-half cup of pasteurized milk, or one
				serving of citrus fruit.
c)
				Children one year of age and older in attendance 5 to 10 hours shall be served
				at least one-third of their daily food requirements, which shall include a
				well-balanced, nutritive meal. Occasional picnic-type meals may be substituted
				for a main meal. Midmorning and midafternoon snacks consisting of fruit, fruit
				juice, or pasteurized milk (as prescribed under subsection (c)) shall be
				included. Children in attendance for over 10 hours shall be served food to
				provide at least two-thirds of their daily food requirements. Two meals and the
				supplemental snacks will meet this requirement. One of the meals may be
				breakfast or supper, depending on the time the child arrives or
				departs.
d) Children under one year
				of age who are no longer drinking formula or breast milk shall be served whole
				milk unless low-fat milk is requested by the child's physician.
e) Children shall be served small servings of
				bite-size pieces.
f) All meals
				shall be suitable for children and prepared by methods designed to conserve
				nutritive value, flavor, and appearance.
g) Children under 2 years of age shall not be
				fed whole berries, hard candies, raisins, corn kernels, raw carrots, whole
				grapes, hot dogs, nuts, seeds, popcorn, or raw peas, as these foods may cause
				choking.
h) Cooked carrots, corn,
				peas and bananas may be served to infants only if mashed, grated or
				pureed.
i) Hot dogs and raw carrots
				may be served to children between 2 and 3 years of age only if cut into short,
				thin strips. Up to 3 tbsp. of peanut butter may be served to children ages 3
				through 5 if thinly spread on bread, crackers or other foods or if mixed with
				other foods.
j) Drinking water
				shall be readily available to the children at all times.
k) Mealtimes shall be pleasurable experiences
				for the child.
1) There shall be enough time
				allowed for meals so the children can eat in an unhurried atmosphere.
2) Children shall be encouraged but not
				forced to try new foods.
3)
				Information provided by parents concerning the child's eating habits, food
				preferences, or special needs should be considered in planning menus.
4) Food preferences and eating habits shall
				not be permitted to become a source of friction at mealtimes.
5) Mealtimes should occur in a social
				atmosphere and afford children the close presence of an attentive
				adult.