Physical Activity and Nutrition

What's Required in Group Child Care Centers

Article 47 of the New York City Health Code requires that all child care centers permitted by the Health Department comply with certain physical activity and nutrition standards. To view:

• Notice of Adoption of Amendments to Article 47
  of the NYC Health Code (PDF)
• 2007 Health Department letter informing
  group child care service operators of Health Code changes (PDF)
• Nutrition regulations and guidelines
  for group child care services (PDF)
• Physical activity regulations and guidelines
  for group child care services (PDF)

Physical Activity

• 1-3 years old: 60 minutes of physical activity per day
• 3 or more years old: 60 minutes, 30 minutes of which must be guided and structured physical activity

Television Viewing

• Less than 2 years old: No Television Allowed
• 2 or more years old: Limit viewing to no more than 60 minutes per day.
• Limit to programs that are either educational or that engage children in active play

Nutrition

• Do not serve beverages with added sweeteners
• Juice restrictions
  • Offer juice only to children 8 or more months old
  • Do not provide juice in a baby bottle
  • Provide only 100% fruit juice
  • Do not offer more than 6 ounces of juice per day

Milk

• 2 or more years old: serve only 1% or fat-free milk

Water

• Make water available and easily accessible to children throughout the day