The Quality of Nutrition in the Serbian System of Public Preschool Institutions from the Perspective of Parents, Nurses and Preschool Educators
Abstract
Introduction. Preschool children comprise a particularly sensitive group which needs to be observed with special care with regards to health, safety, food and nutrition. Furthermore, habits formed at an early age tend to be retained even in adulthood. Therefore, parents as the first educators of their children are responsible for the formation of healthy eating habits and quality of nutrition of preschool children. Also, as children start to attend a preschool institution, the employees in that institution have an equally important role and responsibility in that regard.
Aims. The aims of the research were: to ascertain whether parents are satisfied with the quality of children´s diet in preschool institutions, to identify the attitudes of preschool teachers and nurses/preschool teachers towards children´s nutrition in preschool institutions, the balance between the quality of food in family homes and kindergartens, as well as to establish various forms of cooperation between families and preschool institutions regarding the development of healthy eating habits in preschool children.
Material and Methods. The sample comprised 933 respondents, which included 763 parents, 59 nurses and 111 preschool teachers. The required data were collected by applying an assessment scale in the case of parents, and interviews in the case of nurses and preschool teachers.
Results. The majority of respondents are satisfied with the quality of nutrition in kindergartens. Various forms of cooperation between preschool institutions and parents exist for the purpose of informing parents about the proper nutrition and development of healthy eating habits in children.
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