Percepções de educadores de creches acerca de práticas cotidianas na alimentação de lactentes: impacto de um treinamento

Abstract

This article stresses the importance of the qualification of professionals involved in thefeeding of children in daycare centers, such that they offeradequate food and programs are developed in order to fosterhealthy food habits in infantsfrom birth. Thus, the scope of this paper was to evaluate the impact of a training program for these daycare teachers in their perceptions and practicesin infant feeding. A qualitative approach was used to evaluate the impact of training, with the application of the focus grouptechnique. Sixteen groups were created, eight of whichwere daycare centerswith training and eight without training, the average number of participants being 6 to 11 per institution agedbetween 19 and 66. The discourse of the teachers who took part in the training program is replete with signs of small changes, or at least with the recognition that it is indeed necessary and possible to promote change. The importance of organizing and conducting training programs for the nutritional education of teachers inday care centersis emphasized, with the continuous supervision of the effects of the qualification as a strategy for infant health.