Indiana Administrative Code
Title 470 - DIVISION OF FAMILY RESOURCES
Article 3 - CHILD WELFARE SERVICES
Rule 4.7 - Child Care Centers; Licensing
Section 4.7-79 - General meal guidelines

(a) Caregivers shall plan a period of time away from the lunch table before the noon meal for children to participate in quiet or calming activities.

(b) Staff shall offer additional portions of food (at least two (2) different items) and milk to children at the noon and evening meals.

(c) Staff shall offer an additional portion of food and juice or milk at snacks.

(d) On the initial serving of any particular meal, staff shall serve children the full portions of all posted menu items at the same time.

(e) Correct food temperature and holding time shall be maintained for all food served to children.

(f) Food shall be covered during transport from kitchen.

(g) Staff shall permit children to eat promptly when they sit down.

(h) All food servers shall not touch ready-to-eat food with their bare hands.

(i) Adults shall assist, supervise, converse, and sit with the children during all meals and snacks in age relative groups, small enough in number to assure assistance and safety.

(j) Children shall be allowed to converse freely during meal times and snacks.

(k) If adults eat with the children, the center shall serve adults the same meal as the children.

(l) All food, not prepared at the child care center or provided by an approved vendor, must come in an unopened package from an approved food source.

(m) Eating utensils, dishes, glasses, chairs, and tables shall be suitable for the age, size, and developmental level of the children.

(n) The center shall use divided plates for children two (2) years of age and younger.

(o) The center shall not serve food items prepared in a home kitchen at any time, except with a physician's written order for a particular child's special diet.

(p) Packaged, ready-to-eat foods that are served to children must be discarded, if not consumed.