February 2017
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In This Issue:
mainCelebrate National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month. This year's theme is "Put Your Best Fork Forward" - reminding us that each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices - and to help children learn to make those healthier food choices!

Remember to take small, baby steps whenever you try to make any healthy changes, whether it is for you personally or for your child care program. 

Nutrition Tip Sheets:
SeasonalEating for the Season: Broccoli               
      
Broccoli may be one of the most common vegetables served to children, and with good reason! Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, folate, and potassium. 

Have you ever tried preparing broccoli in a new way? Different preparation of foods leads to different tastes, textures, and colors. Sometimes children will accept a food prepared one way and not another. Try roasting broccoli in the oven this month!
Recipes

PLAYVIDEOPLAY Video Series: Pushing
This month's PLAY video focuses on pushing. We may think of pushing as a "bad" thing that should be avoided, but if taught carefully, pushing can help develop core strength and can help a child learn how to apply appropriate pressure.

Watch this 3-minute video for teaching cues and activity ideas.
 
Training
Professional Development
North Dakota Training
Consider the following online courses:
Promoting Wellness Module 1: Activity and Movement
Promoting Wellness Module 2: Movement Activities
Promoting Wellness Module 3: Nutrition and Healthy Choices

Fargo Center/Group Facility Staff: 
Visit the Growing Futures website to find and register for trainings that meet the requirements for the City of Fargo Child Care Physical Activity Health Code, including "Physical Activities for Children Ages 3-5" on March 16. 

Minnesota Training
Eager to Learn (online) Courses:
Childhood Obesity: Components of Healthy Nutrition Environment at Child Care
Course Start Date: 3/7/2017
Chat Session Schedule: Tuesday from 7-7:45pm; March 14, 21, 28, and April 4
Register at www.eagertolearn.org 

Childhood Obesity: The Burden of Obesity and Its Impact on Young Children
Course Start Date: 4/5/2017
Chat Session Schedule: Wednesday from 8-8:45pm; April 12, 19, 26, and May 3
Register at www.eagertolearn.org 

Face to Face Courses:
(Visit www.developtoolmn.org for registration info)
- Tipping the Scales (Hawley, MN)
   Saturday, March 11, 9:00am-3:30pm
- Tipping the Scales - Nutrition (Detroit Lakes)
   Thursday, April 6, 6:30-9:30pm
- Tipping the Scales - Nutrition (Fergus Falls)
   Tuesday, May 9, 6:30-9:30pm

Anytime Learning (ATL) Courses:
- Building a Healthy Plate: Cooking with Whole Grains
- Supporting Breastfeeding in Early Childhood Programs
- Designing Positive Mealtimes for Child Care Providers
- Child and Adult Care food Program (CACFP) in Minnesota
Anytime Learning (ATL) trainings are online, self-paced courses that can be taken at any time. Register for ATL courses at www.developtoolmn.org  or  www.eagertolearn.org.
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