Our Nutrition

The centre provides a noon meal along with morning and afternoon snacks to meet the requirements of the Standards for Food and Nutrition in Regulated Child Care. Menus have been approved by an Education and Early Childhood Development Licensing Officer. They are rated under several categories: low salt, low sugar, low fat, carotene, iron, vitamin C, and so on. The proportion of red meat dishes, red meat/cheese/egg combinations, legumes, egg and cheese, poultry, fish, prepared meats is also checked. Menus are posted weekly on the bulletin board.

Staff create a relaxing and enjoyable meal environment (e.g., plan for transitions in routine from play to meal/snack). Staff encourage children to respond to hunger and feelings of fullness and children are not forced to finish food that has been served. Staff are responsive to children’s cues around hunger and will provide snacks and meals outside of the regular schedule as required.

Staff:

-  Do not offer food to reinforce positive behaviours

-  Do not withhold food as a consequence for inappropriate behaviours

-  Do not use food as a reward for completing a task or finishing a meal (e.g., dessert will not  be withheld if the child does not finish the main meal)

Notification of food allergies is the responsibility of the parents. A doctor’s confirmation of food allergies is required. Parents may request other dietary restrictions based on family beliefs. Efforts will be made to substitute foods, but the parent may be asked to supply alternatives, e.g., soya milk, wheat free products.

Breastfeeding & Infant Feeding

Mothers are welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the facility. When requested, the Centre will provide a comfortable space for breastfeeding mothers. Staff allow infants to explore their food, feed themselves and respond to hunger and fullness. 

Celebrations and Birthdays

Each month teachers have a small ceremony with cake (prepared at the centre), candles, and singing to celebrate the children whose birthdays fall within the month. Parents are invited to send along stickers, craft items or other non-food ways of adding to the celebration. On special occasions, such as Christmas, Halloween, etc. small parties are organized, and special foods are prepared at the centre.

The Centre is a culturally diverse community. We welcome input from parents to celebrate holidays that are special to their child.