In early childhood, the foundation for lifelong health, growth, and learning is established.

Nutrition plays a critical role in the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of young children, making it an essential component of any quality preschool program.

At the Learning Village in Pembroke Pines, we understand the importance of providing balanced, nutritious meals to support the holistic development of each child.

Our preschool includes all meals in the tuition, ensuring that each child has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.

Why Nutrition Matters in Preschool

Preschool-aged children experience rapid growth, and their nutritional needs are high.

Proper nutrition fuels their energy, aids brain development, and supports a strong immune system. Here are some ways that nutrition impacts young children:

1. Cognitive Development: Nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins contribute to brain development, impacting learning abilities, concentration, and memory. A well-balanced diet enables children to stay focused and engaged in educational activities.
2. Physical Growth: Growing bodies need a steady supply of essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin D, which contribute to bone strength and muscle development. Nutritious meals support this physical growth, which is crucial during early childhood.
3. Emotional Well-Being: Proper nutrition helps regulate mood and energy levels, reducing irritability and promoting emotional stability. Balanced meals, especially those with the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, contribute to a child’s overall well-being.
4. Building Healthy Habits: By introducing nutritious foods early in life, preschools play an influential role in establishing lifelong healthy eating habits. Children exposed to a variety of fresh, nutritious foods are more likely to make healthier food choices as they grow older.

The Role of the Learning Village Food Program in Promoting Health

At the Learning Village in Pembroke Pines, we believe that access to nutritious meals shouldn’t be a privilege; it’s a necessity. That’s why our preschool includes all meals in the tuition. We participate in a comprehensive food program designed to provide balanced, healthy meals and snacks throughout the day.

By participating in the Child Care Food Program (CCFP), our meal plans meet state and federal guidelines, ensuring that each child receives meals with the right portions and nutrients. The program also offers financial assistance for qualifying families, making nutritious meals accessible to all. We’re proud to be a VPK provider and a part of the Pembroke Pines community, supporting families in creating a healthy foundation for their children.

Why Nutrition Matters in Preschool

1. Cognitive Development: Nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins contribute to brain development, impacting learning abilities, concentration, and memory. A well-balanced diet enables children to stay focused and engaged in educational activities.
2. Physical Growth: Growing bodies need a steady supply of essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin D, which contribute to bone strength and muscle development. Nutritious meals support this physical growth, which is crucial during early childhood.
3. Emotional Well-Being: Proper nutrition helps regulate mood and energy levels, reducing irritability and promoting emotional stability. Balanced meals, especially those with the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, contribute to a child’s overall well-being.
4. Building Healthy Habits: By introducing nutritious foods early in life, preschools play an influential role in establishing lifelong healthy eating habits. Children exposed to a variety of fresh, nutritious foods are more likely to make healthier food choices as they grow older.

For families classified as non-needy under the Child Care Food Program, there is a $20 surcharge added to weekly tuition to cover meal expenses.

A Day of Nutritious Meals at the Learning Village

Here’s a typical day of meals at the Learning Village:

Breakfast: Breakfast is the first meal of the day, and it’s crucial for young children to start with a balanced, filling option. We serve whole-grain cereals, fresh fruits, and dairy products, providing the carbohydrates, fiber, and calcium children need to stay energized.

Lunch: Lunchtime at the Learning Village includes a combination of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Meals are crafted to include a variety of textures and flavors, introducing children to a range of foods. This is often the heartiest meal of the day, providing the vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy development.

Afternoon Snack: In the afternoon, children receive another light snack, but healthy snack. This helps keep them satisfied and alert for the rest of the day’s activities.

Benefits of Including Meals in Preschool Tuition

The inclusion of meals in tuition at the Learning Village has numerous benefits for both children and their families. Here’s why we believe this is essential for a high-quality preschool program:

1. Convenience for Parents: Providing meals as part of the tuition fee reduces the burden on parents, who no longer need to worry about preparing snacks and lunches every day. It’s one less thing for busy parents to worry about!
2. Consistency and Variety in Meals: Because the Learning Village is part of a regulated food program, our meals meet strict nutritional standards. Children receive well-balanced meals every day, and they also benefit from a greater variety of foods, expanding their palates and encouraging healthy eating habits.
3. Equal Access to Nutritious Food: Including meals in tuition ensures that all children, regardless of family background, have access to healthy food during the school day. This helps create a more inclusive environment where every child’s nutritional needs are met.
4. Promoting a Balanced Diet: Our meal program emphasizes balanced meals with a variety of nutrients. By exposing children to different food groups early on, we’re helping set the stage for balanced, healthy eating habits in the future.

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Preschool

At the Learning Village, meal times are also a time for learning. Teachers sit with the children, encouraging them to try new foods and teaching them about the importance of a balanced diet. This interactive approach helps children build a positive relationship with food. Here are some ways we promote healthy eating habits:

Trying New Foods Together: Group meals encourage children to try new foods in a supportive environment.

When children see their friends enjoying different foods, they’re more likely to give them a try too.

Portion Control: By serving meals in child-appropriate portions, we help children learn about portion control.

This is an essential skill that can help prevent overeating as they grow older.

Mindful Eating: Teachers encourage children to pay attention to their hunger and fullness cues, helping them develop a mindful approach to eating.

Healthy Snacks for Growing Minds

Snacks play a significant role in preschool nutrition, as they bridge the gaps between meals and provide energy for learning and play. Here are some of the snacks we serve at the Learning Village to support healthy development:

1. Fresh Fruit and Vegetables: Rich in vitamins and minerals, fruits and veggies are a staple in our snack rotation.
2. Whole Grains: Whole-grain crackers, bread, and cereals offer fiber and energy, keeping children fuller for longer.
3. Dairy: Dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, provide calcium and protein, which are essential for bone growth and muscle development.
4. Proteins: Nutrient-rich proteins, like chicken or turkey, keep children energized and focused.

How Parents Can Support Healthy Eating at Home

We know that the habits children develop in preschool often extend to home life.

Here are some tips for parents to continue promoting healthy eating at home:

• Involve Children in Meal Prep: Let children help wash vegetables, stir ingredients, or assemble simple snacks. This helps them feel connected to the food they eat and more excited to try it.
• Offer a Variety of Foods: Encourage your child to try different foods and flavors to build a balanced diet. You can replicate some of the meals served at the Learning Village for consistency.
• Lead by Example: Children often mimic adults, so let them see you enjoying a variety of nutritious foods. Modeling healthy eating habits is one of the best ways to instill these values.

Conclusion: Creating a Healthier Future with Nutrition at the Learning Village

Nutrition is a cornerstone of early development, and at the Learning Village, we’re committed to supporting each child’s growth through a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

By including all meals in our tuition, we ensure that each child has access to the healthy food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Would you like to learn more about our programs and how we support healthy development at the Learning Village?

Please Schedule a Tour today to see our facility, meet our staff, and discover how we make nutrition a priority in early childhood education.