Farm to ECE Learning Collaboratives
The aim of the Farm to ECE Learning Collaboratives is to promote healthy development in young children through integrating locally grown foods into meals and snacks served in ECE settings, educating children on how food is grown, and providing hands-on experiences for them to learn to grow their own food in ECE settings. Through this approach ECE program environments, practices, and policies will be improved. These materials are free to use for organizations interested in training ECE providers on best practices in Farm to ECE.
The Farm to ECE Learning Collaboratives were developed in partnership with JumpIN for Healthy Kids and SPARK Learning Lab, and Nemours Children’s Health. They bring together Leadership Teams from various ECE programs to learn about Farm to ECE practices and strategies for ECE settings while sharing experiences with each other and implementing new strategies in their own programs. Users can use and adapt these materials to plan and implement their own Learning Collaboratives with ECE programs.
The Learning Collaborative framework includes Learning Sessions, followed by Action Periods where the Leadership Team uses program assessment tools, to assess current program practices, educate fellow staff, and lead staff through a process of change to increase healthy habits. Throughout the Learning Collaboratives, ECE program staff connect with Trainers and each other to create healthier environments for young children.