New to Infant Program

[DCMama]

I was wondering how many people provide food for infant as part as their program. I think I might, But since they are young, I'm just paranoid about what food they can and can not eat. For this reason, I think it is better if the parent provide me with the food they want me to feed their child so that I won't have to worry about food allergies and introducing new food to the child as young as 6 month. Is this reasonable? I know I will not be providing formula, since it's so expensive and each child will have their own favorite brand. I just don't know about this so I need some feedbacks or know some people with experience about this. Please help

[Truly Scrumptious]

I do provide food, but I am on the food program, so I get reimbursed. If not, I would tell the parent that they had to provide baby food.
I don't start food until the parent does and then they keep me informed of what the baby is trying or has tried and if there are any allergies.

[DCMama]

So does the food program have to come and inspect your daycare first before allowing you to apart of it? Was it hard to get in? I am still establishing my daycare and writing up my handbook, i was wondering if I have to have children in my program before they would approve my daycare.

[Truly Scrumptious]

In TN...you have to have a least one child that you can sign up before the food program monitor will come out. It can be your own child if you income qualify.

They don't inspect your day care here...they just sit down with you and get you to fill out paperwork and explain how everything works and how to fill out the menus and attendance forms. You have to post the menu they give you and you have to put a thermometer in your fridge and freezer.

I usually see my monitor about 3 or 4 times a year. She comes at a meal time...and just checks to make sure I'm feeding the children within the guidelines and serving the correct milk and that's it.

[cheerfuldom]

I dont do food for infants. Any food that parents bring here should be tried at home first due to allergies, diarrhea, other things that can happen when foods are introduced. Once they are on finger food solids (much closer to a year), I provide basic snacks but never anything that may cause an allergic reaction like strawberries, peanut butter and such.

now would be a good time to research appropriate food and portions for infants so you are up to date! even if parents bring food, you should speak up if there is an issue with what is being brought.

[Blackcat31]

I do provide food, but I am on the food program, so I get reimbursed. If not, I would tell the parent that they had to provide baby food.
I don't start food until the parent does and then they keep me informed of what the baby is trying or has tried and if there are any allergies.

This is exactly what I do as well. I provide the food while child is here but parent introduces new foods and keeps me posted on progress and additions.

[Southernmama]

In TN...you have to have a least one child that you can sign up before the food program monitor will come out. It can be your own child if you income qualify.

They don't inspect your day care here...they just sit down with you and get you to fill out paperwork and explain how everything works and how to fill out the menus and attendance forms. You have to post the menu they give you and you have to put a thermometer in your fridge and freezer.

I usually see my monitor about 3 or 4 times a year. She comes at a meal time...and just checks to make sure I'm feeding the children within the guidelines and serving the correct milk and that's it.

What is the name of your food program? I am in TN (southeast of Nashville) and have been looking into Cherry Tree, I believe is the name. The lady I talked to said I wouldn't get much before I don't live in a "poor area". :confused: She did say I could still enroll but not to expect much.

[itlw8]

yes teir 2 does not pay as much but really would you not pick up a dollar on the ground? So then do not turn down $100

With the ecomony many qualify for tir 1 that never did before. Because our 9th grade center was more than 50% free and reduced our whole town was moved to teir 1.... nice.

You can also qualify by your income. Even if you are teir 2 it is well worth an hours work to get the check.

I supply the food. I pick one formula and if they do not want that they supply what they want... by the way we get paid for serving the breast milk but if mom comes and nurses she served it.

I never start new foods. They let me know after they have introduced it at home.