If your child is in child care, chances are good that she receives at least one main meal and one snack from the child care provider. If you’re concerned about early childhood eating conditions, make this an essential part of your initial search for a provider.

Be sure they are feeding your child foods you approve of and that the eating environment is relaxed, sanitary, and well planned. Use this checklist when shopping for childcare:

• Who plans the meals?

• Do they follow the Food Guide Pyramid?

• What foods are served?

• Take a look at the kitchen. Is it clean?

• Are foods stored properly?

• Who prepares the meals?

• Do the adults have safety and sanitation training?

• Do the menus include whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruits?

• Do they serve milk?

• Is the juice 100 percent juice, or does it contain high-fructose corn syrup?

• Do they serve fried foods, such as chips?

• Is mealtime pleasant?

• Does a caregiver sit with the children?

• Are the children relaxed during mealtime, or is there stress?

• Are records of intake kept for each child so parents can keep track?