8VAC20-800-870: General requirements for meals and snacks

A. Meals and snacks shall be served in accordance with the times children are in care, which include:

1. For family day homes operating less than four consecutive hours at least one snack shall be served.

2. For family day homes operating four to seven consecutive hours at least one meal and one snack shall be served.

3. For family day homes operating seven to 12 consecutive hours at least one meal and two snacks or two meals and one snack shall be served.

4. For family day homes operating 12 to 16 consecutive hours at least two meals and two snacks or three meals and one snack shall be served.

B. A family day home shall ensure that children arriving from a half-day, morning program who have not yet eaten lunch receive a lunch.

C. The family day home shall schedule snacks or meals so there is a period of at least 1-1/2 hours, but no more than three hours, between each meal or snack unless there is a scheduled rest or sleep period for children between the meals and snacks.

D. Children shall be served small-sized portions.

E. Food shall be prepared, stored, served, and transported in a clean and sanitary manner.

F. Leftover food shall be discarded from individual plates following a meal or snack.

G. Tables and high chair trays shall be cleaned after each use, but at least daily.