Breakfast

We at Childrens Academy believe that no child should start his or her
day without breakfast.  Countless studies in recent decades have
documented the value of eating breakfast to a child's ability to learn,
think quickly, pay attention and get along with others.  One recent
study found that children who eat breakfast improve their math grades,
school attendance and punctuality.  Children who regularly eat breakfast
think faster and clearer, solve problems more easily and are less likely
to be fidgety and irritable early in the day.  Studies also show that children
who skip breakfast are not as adept at selecting the information they need
to solve problems.  Ability to recall and use new information, verbal fluency
and attentiveness are negatively affected by hunger. Therefore breakfast is
served to all children in the Academy between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and
8:00 a.m. for no additional costs.

Snacks and Lunch

Your child will enjoy morning and afternoon snacks and lunch that are
nutritionally balanced and meet the required food components. We don’t
worry about portion size because your child may have as much or as little
as they choice.  At Childrens Academy we participate in the Family Style
Serving Program which allows all children to serve themselves. Tables
are set using real dishes, no paper plates here, and child size bowls and
pitchers so that the children may pass and serve themselves. We find that
even mealtime can be a learning experience. Children are taught to say
please and thank you when passing and receiving of food. Your child may
have second servings of anything we serve, and we do encourage them to
at least try every food group that is offered.

At Childrens Academy we make it a point to serve the basic four food groups
at lunch each and every day. We also serve two of the four food groups at
morning snack, and the remaining two at afternoon snack. Therefore, every
child that attends Childrens Academy for a full day receives the basic four
food groups at least twice each day. Milk is always served with lunch.

All snacks and meals are included in your weekly tuition. A menu is posted
on the Parent Information Board in the front lobby. All changes are noted on
the day they occur. Due to health regulations, no food may be brought into
the center for meal time, this includes breakfast. Special arrangements can
be made for birthdays and other celebrations. Please check with our Food
Manager prior to bringing food into the center.

Food Preparation

Our Food Manager is trained in the safe handling, preparation and storage
of foods and is constantly monitored to ensure safe nutritious meals. Our
food manager is food manager certified, holds a current food handlers card,
and attends regular trainings to keep abreast of all current changes in
standards and procedures. Meal times are designed to promote good eating
habits, and are pleasant social and learning experiences for the children.
Teachers eat with their classes and follow the guidelines pertaining to
Family Style Serving. Teachers always eat what the children are eating.
Infants are held while feeding. Toddlers are encouraged to feed themselves.
All eating utensils, chairs, and tables are sized appropriately for each age
group. Our tables' height may be adjusted proportionately, and they are easily cleaned. Childrens Academy works with the USDA to make sure that our menus
are nutritionally wholesome and Childrens Academy participates in the CACFP
program

No hot drinks of any kind are allowed around children. Teachers are not
allowed to have personal beverages in the classroom with the children.
Electrical outlets are plugged with outlet caps, appliances are out of reach
of children, temperature of the hot water at sinks will not scald, and food
temperature is monitored to prevent burns.