Nutrition
At Little Pasitos, we understand that good nutrition generates positive outcomes for our children in many different ways. Good nutrition contributes to effective learning in children and helps promote healthy growth, development, and activity. Most importantly it helps establish healthy eating habits that can last throughout life.
In addition, eating regular meals helps regulate blood sugar. This may influence some of the hormones that control our mood swings and ability to concentrate. A balanced diet is essential to ensure that children not only grow in height and weight but also develop the cognitive and emotional skills necessary for a successful future! We invite you to help us model healthy behaviors from infancy and help us build stronger immune systems from the start by providing a well-balanced meal.
Meals & Snacks provided by parents
Meals must be fully prepared and ready to warm
Water and milk only
To promote healthy habits avoid packing sugary drinks like juice.
Meals at Little Pasitos
At Little Pasitos, we believe every child thrives when they feel comfortable and nourished. To ensure your little one has the perfect fuel for their busy day of learning and play, all meals are provided by parents.
We love this approach because it gives you complete control over your child’s nutrition!
Packing lunch from home means:
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Tailored Nutrition: You can customize meals perfectly to your child’s unique tastes, dietary needs, and portions.
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A Taste of Home: Young children often feel more comforted and secure when they see familiar favorite foods in their lunchbox
Guidelines
To help our mealtime routine run smoothly and keep our classrooms safe, please keep these quick guidelines in mind:
Ready to Enjoy
Please send meals fully prepared. Due to state regulations, our teachers are only able to warm up your child's food, rather than cook or prep it.
Label Everything
Please clearly label all food and drink containers with your child's first and last name. This ensure the right lunchbox always finds the right little hands!
Breakfast
If your child is to eat breakfast at the center, the latest drop-off time is 8:25 AM to allow sufficient time to eat while not disrupting their academic schedule.
Drinks
To promote healthy habits, avoid packing sugary drinks such as juice or flavored drinks. Only pack water and/or milk.
Allergies & Dietary Restrictions
At Little Pasitos, your child’s health and safety are our highest priorities. We understand that managing food allergies, sensitivities, and special dietary needs requires absolute care, vigilance, and clear communication.
We work closely with families to ensure every child receives safe, nutritious, and enjoyable meals and snacks every day.
How We Keep Children Safe
Customized Care Plans
Prior to your child's first day, parents/guardians must document all food allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions on their enrollment forms.
Clear Classroom Labeling
Allergy alerts and dietary restrictions are clearly posted in food preparation areas and inside classrooms (out of public view to maintain privacy) so all teachers and sub staff are fully aware.
Separation & Cross-Contamination Controls
Staff are trained in proper food handling, surface sanitization, and handwashing protocols before and after meals to eliminate cross-contamination.
No Food Sharing
Children are taught and closely supervised to ensure they eat only their served meals and snacks and do not share food with classmates.
Managing Severe & Life Threatening Allergies
Action Plan & Medication
Families must provide a signed Emergency Action Plan from their pediatrician alongside any required emergency medications (such as an EpiPen or antihistamine).
Unexpired Medications
All medications must be in their original packaging, clearly labeled with the child's full name, and kept unexpired on-site in a designated, secure, and accessible location.
Staff CPR & First Aid Training
Our teaching and administrative teams are certified in First Aid and CPR, including the proper administration of auto-injectors (EpiPens) during an allergic emergency.
Ideas for Lunches
Below are six examples of healthy lunch ideas that are delicious and packed with essential nutrients. Use these examples to create balanced meals that keep your children energized. Let's make lunchtime fun and healthy!
Do's and Don'ts
