FOOD & NUTRITION
The monthly menu will be posted on the bulletin board. Please note all meals and snacks served will follow the nutritional guidelines set forth by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
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Breakfast will be served daily from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. A typical breakfast will include whole milk for one-year-old children and 1% milk for children aged 2 years and older, a banana, and whole grain cereal. Portions will be based on the Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) recommendations.
Lunch will be served daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A typical lunch will consist of baked chicken, green beans, rice pilaf, and fresh bananas. Milk will be served as a beverage.
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An afternoon snack will be provided at 2:30 pm. A typical snack will include whole grain pretzels, apple slices, and water.
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Your child will be encouraged to eat, but not forced to eat. If you do not want your child to eat certain foods due to food allergies, or religious reasons please list those on the child’s information card. If these foods modify your child’s basic meal patterns, written documentation is required from your child’s doctor.
If your child requests a second portion of food or milk, we will gladly provide if possible.
**The Learning Tree is tree nut and peanut free - that includes any product that may contain nuts! **
Infant Feeding
Infants will be fed according to their own schedule to maintain consistency from home to our center. You must complete a feeding schedule that includes the formula, breastmilk, or foods and their portions before your infant begins care. We will not add cereal or anything else to your child’s bottle without written permission from your child’s doctor. If your child experiences any feeding problems throughout the day, we will discuss it with you before your child leaves for the day.
All prepared bottles of formula and breastmilk from home must be capped and labeled with your child’s name and placed in our refrigerator upon arrival.
We recommend that you provide formula from a sealed container that is kept onsite and used exclusively for your child. Any prepared formula that is not used within 48 hours is discarded. Any unused breast milk that was never frozen will be returned to you if not used within 48 hours.
Microwave ovens are not used to heat infant bottles or food because uneven heating may lead to the risk of your child being burned.
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Breast Feeding
If you are a nursing mother, we will be happy to make arrangements for you to breastfeed your child in a private location that is comfortable for both you and your child. Please speak with the administrator for details.