WHEN DO WE EAT?

Meals and snacks are always scheduled appropriately for the developmental stage of the children. During meals and snacks, educators are always present, assisting and interacting with children. They allow children to eat at a reasonable, leisurely rate; encourage children to serve themselves when appropriate; ensure that each child receives an adequate amount and variety of food; help children with disabilities to participate in meal and snack times with their peers; encourage children to eat a well-balanced diet; involve the children in food choices and/or planning whenever possible; and offer alternative activities for children who have finished their snack or meal.

• Educators eat meals with the children, and in the older preschool classrooms, involve children in serving snack. Water is offered to children at frequent intervals and upon request by children.
• Most importantly, children at First Circle are never pressured to eat or drink or to stop eating or drinking, unless it is for health and/or safety reasons.