Health and Nutrition
Our greatest joy is providing an inspired, learning environment for your child; learning about himself, discovering the world she lives in, exploring and mastering his own skills, and feeling great about herself.
That’s what we want to provide.
At Enlightened Play Preschools, we do this by having fun, making a mess, and creating a safe, emotional space to try…sometimes fail…but keep trying. We open doors for children through social interactions, through creative outlets, through nature and art, math and science, and human interaction.
We love and nurture the children who come to our schools. We teach them how to learn, discover and wonder. We model how to be excited, exuberant and how to move in the world as a social being. We teach them how to live with others, enjoy their unique individuality, and find new ways to experience their life with joy.
Wholesome Meals
At Enlightened Play Preschools, meals are one of our most recognized teaching opportunities. These are wonderful times for learning and trying new things. At Enlightened Play Preschools, your child will learn to pour, pass, scoop, and more. They practice using manners, judgment, and patience, and learn respect for their food. Meals and snacks are served in a casual family-style atmosphere that promotes sharing and conversation.
Balanced and Inspired
Our menus are inspired by nature and motivated by our commitment to balance. Within the week, we balance red and white meats with vegetarian options. We balance dairy and fruits with whole grains and vegetables. We serve fresh fruits in lieu of desserts. We offer water regularly so that children learn to be well hydrated. We believe that by expanding foods tastes, textures, and combinations, children are given an opportunity to appreciate food and not just feed themselves without awareness. We offer a variety of tastes and textures, including whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables, with little added sugar or salt. We avoid highly processed foods.
Meal Schedule
Breakfast is offered at 8:00 and is available to any child who arrives before 8:30 AM. All children, including our AM preschool program, are welcome to stay for lunch which is served at 12 noon. Parents are also invited to drop in and have lunch with their children. We offer three snacks at 10 AM, 3 PM, and an evening snack at 5 PM.
Only Fresh Ingredients
We recognize that young children eat their largest number of calories during the day, while they are at Enlightened Play Preschools. We want those calories to be important, healthy, tasty, and interesting. Each meal — breakfast, snack, or lunch — is prepared right on site. We do not use heat-and-serve meals, nor do we buy large quantities and store them. We shop at the grocery store or at the local farmer’s market to get the highest quality we can find incorporating organic products when possible. Our schools maintain an herb garden to flavor some of our foods and allow the children to understand and experience the tastes and scents of foods that they will be offered. When children are involved in the preparation and serving of their food it makes their participation part of the learning fun!
Wellness Vs Illness
At Enlightened Play Preschools, it is our joy to become part of your parenting team and learn your child’s moods and attitudes. This will become very helpful if your child becomes symptomatic while in our care.
We are on your side to help catch, in advance the signs and symptoms which might lead to illness so that you can attend to your child and do whatever is necessary to keep them healthy. We may notice a change in response, attitude and give you a courtesy call or speak with you when you arrive so that you can prepare your employer or make an appointment with your pediatrician.
Child care and germs: We clean all day long
We sanitize, use a bleach solution on surfaces, frequent hand washing, and toy washing. We eat well, hydrate well and provide rest times. But, keep in mind we are a group care environment. The more people that a child or adult is in contact with, the more potential germs. Most children build resistance to illnesses and have few problems.
In order to keep our center as well as possible, it is imperative that we limit sick children’s contact with other children in childcare. We require a 24-hour wellness policy. Our goal is well children and teaching staff.
What does this mean? Your child must have 24 hours out of preschool with no symptoms
Sometimes when a child begins to feel better, their symptoms decrease. But they may have not fully recovered from their illness. So, as a parent, you say, “Fever broke, vomiting stopped. It’s 9 pm” Our policies say….no school tomorrow. You must have 24 hours of no vomiting, no fever. If any symptoms return within those 24 hours, the clock must be stopped and restarted until there are no symptoms.
Children also need their parent when they are ill.
They need more time, attention, and nurturing than our classroom environment may offer.
What determines illness?
We determine that illness is obvious with one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, cold symptoms (green mucous, heavy coughing), or lethargy. We will also look for signs of pink-eye, ear or toothaches, head lice, and so forth. Children with unidentified rashes may be asked to see a physician.
If your child has an unusual series of symptoms, we may ask for a physician’s note to clarify.
