Early childhood is a time when children learn to eat and have fun being active. Here you will find information on:
- how and what to feed young children
- active play ideas for under fives
- looking after teeth
- how you can help create healthy places and spaces in your community.
Food for under fives
What children eat is important in helping them grow healthy and strong. How and when we feed children helps them learn about food and eating. All of this together helps children develop healthy habits for life.
For more information Start Them Right a parent's guide to eating for under 5s - how and what to feed your child from birth to five years for parents and carers.
Start Them Right digital version
Healthy Mouth Healthy Body - about how to look after children's teeth.
Active play for under fives
Young children need time and space to have fun being active every day.
Physical activity visual information guides include practical and fun activity ideas and information on sleep for children.
As electronic devices like computers, tablets and phones become more common this our screen time advice
For more ideas on active play and physical activity for your family
Creating healthy places and spaces
The places where children are cared for, learn and play can help children to eat well and be active. Make healthy choices a normal part of every day in your family and your community. These programs are helping:
Health on the Shelf - story books for children and young readers.
Family connect - sets children up for success and good mental health.
For health, community and early childhood services staff
New! Having trouble sourcing food products and ingredients for your centres menu? Please find:
Handy Food Basics (Word version)
Handy Food Basics (PDF version)
Online training for early childhood education care staff Food and Movement in ECEC services
To access the training:
- Click on the above link.
- Create a login, then select the ‘community and cultural care’ folder.
- You can the select ‘Food and movement in ECEC services’ to begin your training.
Food and Movement in ECEC information flyer
Food Safety:
- Food Safety Guide for Family Day Care Educators
- Health and community worker information Food Safety Manual for Tasmanian Education and Care Services
Move Well Eat Well Early Childhood program is a Tasmanian Government initiative that promotes physical activity and healthy eating as a normal, positive part of every day in early childhood services.
Family Food Patch program is a Tasmanian program which trains and supports volunteer peer educators, to promote eating well and being active for families and communities.
To create breastfeeding friendly spaces and places see Breastfeeding
Nutrition resources for early education and schools
