Item - 2013.CD21.3
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Community Development and Recreation Committee on May 23, 2013. The Community Development and Recreation Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
CD21.3 - Nutrition in Full-Day Kindergarten
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Community Development and Recreation Committee:
1. Referred the Item to the General Manager, Children's Services, and requested her to report to the June 26, 2013 meeting of the Community Development and Recreation Committee with further information on the following:
a. lunch supervision standards or staffing for Full-Day Kindergarten;
b. the potential costs of providing the option of lunch supervision and food program for kindergarten children enrolled in third-party operated before and after school programs.
Origin
Summary
The benefits of proper nutrition on students' health and the impact it has on their abilities to learn and participate in school have been well-established in research and accepted by service providers in Toronto. With the implementation of Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK), four and five year olds enrolling in FDK at school no longer receive a lunch as they did when they were in licensed child care. While there are a number of programs offering nutrition services to young children, there is no comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensure that children in FDK programs receive the necessary nutrition to support positive early learning outcomes for young children. Specifically, there are very limited opportunities for children to receive a hot lunch during the school day.
This report suggests actions for better addressing the nutritional needs of all children in FDK. These include continuing the strategy of expanding Student Nutrition Programs and advocating for clear policy direction from the Province that is informed by government and community partners in the health, early learning and education sectors.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-58283.pdf
Communications
(May 22, 2013) E-mail from Alexandra Irving (CD.New.CD21.3.2)
Speakers
June Hall, Main Square Day Care
Christine Kemp
Councillor Janet Davis
Motions
That the Item be referred to the General Manager, Children's Services, and request her to report to the June 26, 2013 meeting of the Community Development and Recreation Committee with further information on the following:
1. lunch supervision standards or staffing for Full-Day Kindergarten;
2. the potential costs of providing the option of lunch supervision and food program for kindergarten children enrolled in third-party operated before and after school programs.