NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES
Under these guidelines, we offer children a variety of healthy foods. We believe children should be allowed to eat until full, knowing that children develop in growth cycles. One month a child may eat a small amount and the next may eat more than adults.
Meal times allow children to make choices, develop relationships, practice self-help skills and learn the fine art of conversation. Meals at the YMCA Child Care and Preschool Program have a relaxed atmosphere. Children participate in helping to set up for meals. Adults are facilitators helping children learn how to eat a variety of foods and achieve various skills by pouring, scooping, buttering, etc.
An adult will be sitting with and supervising the children during meal times. Adults model good eating habits and facilitate conversations with the children.
LUNCHES & SNACKS
The daily meal program includes morning snack at 9:00 AM, lunch at 11:30 AM and an afternoon snack at 3:00 PM. Lunches will be catered to us for immediate serving. Snack and lunch menus will be posted monthly. The menus will follow nutritional guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, DCFS and HEPA.
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS
Children with special dietary needs, such as those with allergies or those from vegetarian families, will be accommodated. Parents must provide us with a dated and signed letter listing the items your child may not eat and the reasons why. The child care staff will work with parents to meet these special needs and will provide substitutions when possible. Parents may need to assist us with providing appropriate substitutions. If your child’s dietary needs change, a new note must be submitted for their file.
