(1) Department of Human Ecology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station Stop A2700, Austin, TX 78712, USA
Abstract:
Childcare in the United States (US) has become a necessary part of life for most working parents with the increased use of
center-based childcare over the past three decades. Approximately 13 million preschoolers attend some form of childcare. Literature
indicates the main predictors of quality childcare programs are adequate experience and specialized training of childcare
staff. A growing concern among researchers, however, is the limited training among childcare professionals in the area of
food safety. Children have minimal control of food safety risks because other people prepare their meals. A questionnaire
was developed and mailed to childcare center directors in Texas and Iowa to identify the demographic, food safety and other
practices that influence the training and decisions made by childcare center directors. Results indicate the need of continual
management and food safety training for both directors and staff in order to provide a safe environment for young children.