Eating is a developmental skill  that emerges over time through practice, relationships, and supportive environments. Yet in early childhood settings, mealtimes can often become stressful for both children and educators when eating does not unfold as expected.

This webinar introduces a proactive, developmentally informed approach to supporting mealtimes in early childhood classrooms. Participants will learn strategies that can help promote safety, autonomy, and positive engagement with food before challenges escalate.

Rather than focusing on reacting to mealtime challenges, this session will explore how providers can create environments that support all children’s participation in mealtime routines, including those with diverse sensory, developmental, and communication needs.

Participants will leave with practical, classroom-ready strategies to:

• Support eating as a developmental process

• Reduce mealtime stress and power struggles

• Foster inclusion and positive food experiences

• Recognize early signs that a child may need additional support