What to know
Early child nutrition practices are important for the healthy growth of infants, toddlers, and young children. Learn how CDC-funded programs at the state and community level have advanced child nutrition in early care and education (ECE) settings.
New York: Breastfeeding friendly
From 2018 to 2022, the New York State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (SPAN) worked to increase the number of ECE programs that achieve the New York Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care designation.
New York SPAN staff worked with local contractors in communities with the most need to help them achieve and measure progress toward becoming Breastfeeding Friendly. They recruited 141 new programs, most of which participate in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program. They also provided technical assistance to 136 programs and helped 93 programs get designation status. About 3,100 children benefited from these activities.
Kentucky: Childcare licensing and interventions
In early 2020, Kentucky passed new childcare licensing regulations that included breastfeeding support and early child nutrition for center-based programs. These regulations align with High Impact Obesity Prevention Standards that experts identify as most likely to prevent childhood obesity when embedded in ECE policies and practices.
To help ECE programs implement the new regulations, Kentucky SPAN acquired a statewide license for the evidence-based intervention Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment (Go NAPSACC). This intervention provides technical assistance, trainings and professional development, and self-assessments to track progress. ECE providers can also receive continuing education credits for completing Go NAPSACC's trainings and professional development. The licensing changes in Kentucky could reach 1,835 ECE centers serving more than 195,000 children.
Alabama: Breastfeeding Recognition
In 2018, partners in Alabama developed the statewide Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Recognition Program. The program has five key requirements that are based on existing guidance, such as the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute's 10 Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care and High Impact Obesity Prevention Standards.
To be recognized, ECE programs must complete the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment (Go NAPSACC) Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding self-assessment and an approved training course through the Alabama Child Care Licensing Division. ECE programs can also receive funding from the Alabama Child Care Development Fund to create breastfeeding-friendly environments. Funding can be used for items such as a small refrigerator, books on breastfeeding, a comfortable chair, and supplies such as milk storage bags. As of January 2023, a total of 99 ECEs have been recognized, potentially reaching more than 3,700 children.
Alabama partners included:
- Alabama Partnership for Children
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System
- Alabama Department of Public Health
- Alabama Breastfeeding Committee
Resources
Learn more about Advancing Early Child Nutrition in ECE.
Learn more about CDC's State and Local Programs.