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 are a particularly sensitive group in need of special care concerning 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 development of healthy eating habits and the 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 as follows: 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 toward children's nutrition in preschool institutions, the balance between the quality of food in family homes and kindergartens, and 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, including 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 to inform parents about the proper nutrition and development of healthy eating habits in children. Conclusion. According to the perceptions of parents and kindergarten employees, the quality of children's nutrition in the system of institutional preschool education is at an enviable level, although there is certainly room for further improvement and work on the development of proper and healthy eating habits in children in kindergarten and at home.