86 Health, Safety, & Nutrition 4. Communication with Families (continued) 3. Communication Regarding Special Needs Level 1 Recognize the health, safety, and nutritional needs of all children in the program. HSN 4.3.1 Level 2 Understand and accommodate the health, safety, and nutritional needs of all children in the program. HSN 4.3.2 Level 3 Collaborate with families and professionals to adapt the learning environment, curriculum activities, and interactions to meet the special needs of each child. HSN 4.3.3 Level 4 Develop policies and procedures related to communicating with families regarding the special needs of their children. Analyze, evaluate, and modify systems for communicating with families regarding the special needs of their children. HSN 4.3.4 Level 5 Analyze, evaluate, articulate, and apply current knowledge, theories, research, and best practices regarding communicating with families regarding the special needs of their children. HSN 4.3.5 4. Communication Regarding Nutrition & Food Level 1 Share with families their children’s eating patterns, skills, and food needs, and preferences. Follow directions regarding special nutritional needs or food allergies. HSN 4.4.1 Level 2 Educate families regarding well-balanced meals/snacks that may be brought from home. Encourage families to actively participate in program nutrition and gardening activities. Communicate with families to ensure their children’s needs are being met. HSN 4.4.2 Level 3 Identify and access resources from community agencies and programs, such as the CACFP, WIC, Dairy Council, and/or University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, to assist in expanding nutritional awareness for children and families. Consult with families regarding special nutritional needs or food allergies, and ensure that adaptations are developed and implemented as needed. HSN 4.4.3 Level 4 Analyze, evaluate articulate, and apply current knowledge and best practices on communicating with families regarding food-related issues. Develop policies and procedures related to communicating with families regarding children’s eating patterns, skills, and food needs, and preferences. HSN 4.4.4 Level 5 Analyze, evaluate, articulate, and apply current knowledge, theories, research, and best practices regarding nutrition and food for children from birth through age 8. HSN 4.4.5