Nutrition
One of our goals at Pre-K 4 SA is to establish healthy eating habits for young children. Meals are served family-style, providing a natural opportunity to teach children about table manners and social interaction. These healthy mealtime habits can also be practiced at home.
Cleanliness
Teachers provide instructions that encourage children to wash their hands before eating, set the table, and clean up after themselves. Before mid-year, the children perform the tasks like pros.
Interaction
Teachers engage in meaningful, collaborative, child-initiated conversations that extend children’s thinking—all while creatively weaving in the importance of healthy eating and the science of nutrition.
Safety
All food items and serving tools will be handled by adults only.
Cleanliness
Teachers provide instructions that encourage children to wash their hands before eating, set the table, and clean up after themselves. Before mid-year, the children perform the tasks like pros.
Interaction
Teachers engage in meaningful, collaborative, child-initiated conversations that extend children’s thinking—all while creatively weaving in the importance of healthy eating and the science of nutrition.
Safety
All food items and serving tools will be handled by adults only.
The Science of Home Grown
Outdoor gardening projects reinforce the philosophy of healthy eating. These science projects become an extension of the meal table as children experience the excitement of planting, nurturing, harvesting, and tasting fresh, healthy foods. Our nutrition service provider helps the children select plants for the garden and then incorporates the types of food the children grow into the monthly menu because young children will eat what they grow.
San Antonio Food Bank Partnership
At Pre-K 4 SA, the San Antonio Food Bank is a true educational partner. In addition to providing daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks to children at our 4 education centers, the Food Bank assists with seasonal farmers markets and parent workshops to engage families in activities based on healthy and affordable cooking, and the importance of nutrition and physical activity. This partnership extends the depth of learning through mealtime in the classroom and into the child’s homes.
Food Safety Comes First
Because meals and snacks are an integral part of the curriculum and some children have food allergies, food from home is not permitted. Pre-K 4 SA consults with a licensed dietician and food service agency to develop menus that support nutritional and instructional goals. Special meals are available for children with food allergies.
For the safety of our children, all Pre-K 4 SA centers and food vendors are strict shellfish and nut-free facilities.
Pre-K 4 SA adheres to CACFP regulations and policies. Food is stored, served, and prepared in accordance with the USDA and CACFP guidelines. All meals are prepared offsite and delivered to Pre-K 4 SA.