Skill
Explores Healthy Eating
Toddler shows interest in trying new nutritious foods and communicates hunger and fullness.
Ages 8–36 months
Why it matters
Early eating habits form through repeated, pressure-free chances to see, smell, and taste healthy foods. As toddlers explore new foods, express preferences, and signal when they are hungry or full, they build the curiosity and body awareness that support lifelong nutritious eating.
Builds toward this milestone
- demonstrates increasing interest in engaging in healthy eating habits and making nutritious food choices. — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Shows interest in and tries new nutritious foods when they are offered.
- Tries a new food after it has been offered on several occasions.
- Communicates to an adult when hungry, thirsty, or finished eating.
How to observe it
- When a new fruit or vegetable is offered, does the child explore or taste it?
- Does the toddler use words, signs, or gestures to show "more" or "all done"?
Accessibility
- Offer foods in textures and sizes matched to each child's chewing and motor skills.
- Honor sensory sensitivities by letting children touch and smell foods before tasting.
Safety
- Cut foods to reduce choking risk, seat children upright to eat, and follow each family's allergy and feeding plan.
Activities
Evidence
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Early Atlas