Over the past decade, many of us have heard startling reports of the childhood obesity epidemic. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 in 3 children in America are overweight or obese and many are not receiving the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables and vital nutrients that keep kids healthy. This is especially important as proper nutrition is crucial for healthy physical and mental development in infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
While your child’s portion size and nutrient requirements change as they grow, the typical recommended daily meal plan for growing children includes:
- Several servings of fruits and vegetables
- Healthy sources of protein such as lean meat, nuts and eggs
- Whole grain breads and cereals that are high in fiber
- Broiled, grilled or steamed foods
- Limited fried foods, junk food and fast food
- Water and milk instead of sugary fruit drinks and soda
Studies show that children who eat nutritionally balanced meals are better at problem solving, recalling and using new information, verbal fluency and attentiveness. Proper nutrition also makes children less likely to be fidgety and irritable throughout the day and allows them to get deeper, more restful sleep at night.
At Valley Learning Center we make sure that every child is provided healthy, balanced meals throughout the day. Each child starts their day with a healthy breakfast of whole grain cereal and juice or milk. Breakfast is held every day between the hours of 6:00 to 8:00 AM, with coffee available for parents at no charge. We also provide morning and afternoon snacks, as well as a nutritionally balanced lunch that meets all of the required food components and recommended portion sizes. Feel free to look at our sample menu to get a feel for the types of food we offer at our Valley Learning Center locations.
If you’re interested in enrolling your child at one of our Valley Learning Centers, contact or visit the location that is closest to you to receive more information on rates and services provided