Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Clinical Nutrition
Date of Award
5-2025
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Michelle Johnson
Committee Members
Michelle Lee, Alyson Chroust
Abstract
Nutrition plays a vital role in early childhood, where rapid growth and development occur. This study investigates Early Interventionists’ (EIs) nutrition knowledge and perceptions of nutrition-related concerns in children receiving services through the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS). An electronic survey was distributed to EIs in Tennessee to assess their nutrition knowledge and perceptions and to identify nutrition concerns. Findings revealed that most EIs have never received any nutrition education, despite being asked for nutrition guidance by families and being open to nutrition-related training. The EIs reported seeing nutrition concerns such as growth delays, food refusal, and picky eating, but very few of these children are connected with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The results indicate the importance of providing EIs with nutrition education and improving access to RDN services. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of such training and its impact on the development of children receiving early intervention.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Chambers, Kayla, "Knowledge and Perceptions About Feeding and Growth in Infants and Young Children Among Early Interventionists" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4492. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4492
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.