Picky eater "yucky"

[Busy ECE mommy]

@ebhappydc- I don't provide an alternative food here, unless it's an infant in their first few weeks of transition into care, who is just getting used to our menu. A 3.5 yr old definitely has the ability to tell you when they are hungry or not, but I wouldn't be offering the cheerios after everyone goes to bed. He knows that the cheerios come if he holds out long enough, so he knows he doesn't have to eat the meal being served.
It's not up to you to provide substitutes, especially at that age.
If he's too lethargic to properly participate in care, then he shouldn't be there.
It sounds like he needs a referral to an occupational therapist to be screened for sensory processing issues.