Appropriate eating schedules or practices for pre-k teachers to suggest to families is:

• A. Establishing three regular mealtimes and providing children two or three healthy snack choices throughout the day.
• B. Skipping meals to save time.
• C. Eating only fruit.
• D. Having candy between meals.

Answer: (A)

Regular meal patterns and planned, nutritious snacks support energy, growth, and learning in young children. Establishing three regular mealtimes provides predictable nourishment and helps children regulate hunger, preventing extreme hunger or overeating. Including two to three healthy snacks throughout the day keeps energy steady between meals and reduces long gaps that can lead to irritability or poor concentration. Snacks should balance carbohydrates, fats, and protein, drawing from fruits or vegetables, whole grains, and dairy or lean protein to meet growing needs.

Other approaches don’t fit for preschool nutrition. Skipping meals to save time can cause low energy and hinder development. Eating only fruit lacks enough protein and fats needed for growth. Having candy between meals introduces excessive sugar and can create poor dental health and energy crashes.