Choosing the right before care program for your child involves considering many factors, and La Petite Academy in the Des Moines area stands out by prioritizing healthy eating habits right from the start. This early child care center integrates nutritious meals into its daily routine, offering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Supported by the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), La Petite Academy ensures that these daily meals and snacks are not only nutritious but also enjoyable for children.
La Petite Academy in Des Moines serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks to nearly 100 students daily, ranging from 18 months to 11 years old. Since 2009, their commitment to health has been evident through the implementation of the Grow Fit model, which focuses on enhancing the nutritional value of their menus. This initiative includes significant changes such as eliminating juice, increasing the servings of fruits and vegetables, and ensuring that all offerings are 100 percent whole grain-rich. The academy also incorporates “Meatless Mondays” and “Veggie-Fueled Fridays” into their weekly menu, featuring two vegetable options at lunch on Fridays. To maintain high nutritional standards, La Petite Academy collaborates with a registered dietitian who develops weekly healthy menu options for all locations, including the Des Moines center.
Mary Clark, manager of operational compliance and CACFP at La Petite Academy, emphasizes their dedication to student health: “We have really committed to providing healthy meals and snacks for our students. We’ve participated in CACFP for nearly 24 years. Having CACFP has greatly helped to fund our efforts and provide a variety of healthy foods.” This long-standing participation in CACFP highlights La Petite Academy’s commitment to leveraging resources that support child nutrition.
The CACFP is a federally funded program that is instrumental in reimbursing costs for meals in various care settings, including child care centers, before- and after-school programs, and emergency shelters. Through CACFP, organizations like La Petite Academy are empowered to foster lifelong healthy eating and physical activity habits among children and adults in Iowa. For parents considering if Is La Petite A Before Care Program that prioritizes well-being, the answer seems to be a resounding yes, especially given their focus on nutrition.
Ann Parker, CACFP consultant at the Iowa Department of Education, underscores the program’s broader impact: “CACFP reimbursement truly helps to support child and adult care organizations and encourages nutritious meal options and healthy living. We encourage other Iowa centers and providers to apply for CACFP funding.” This endorsement from the Iowa Department of Education further validates the effectiveness and importance of programs like CACFP in supporting nutritional initiatives in childcare.
Jenny Snyder, director of La Petite Academy in Des Moines, with 35 years of experience, has witnessed the evolution of the center’s nutrition program. She notes that their approach encompasses both healthy menus and classroom education on healthy foods. “In all of our age group programs, we have incorporated learning about healthy eating and physical activity,” Snyder explains. “It could be a craft activity on healthy foods, how to grow different types of produce or something simple like what does it mean to be healthy.” This holistic approach ensures that children not only receive nutritious meals but also understand the importance of healthy eating.
La Petite Academy extends its healthy eating education beyond the classroom by providing resources to families. Snyder mentions, “We have provided resources to parents for classroom parties and celebrations, like Valentine’s Day. We encouraged them to leave the sweets at home and offered alternative ways to celebrate with the kids at the center.” This effort to involve families reinforces healthy habits at home and supports student development comprehensively.
For Snyder, CACFP has been crucial in enabling La Petite Academy’s commitment to healthy foods, making meal times a valuable part of the day. “The meals are a solid part of our day,” Snyder concludes. “It’s not just a thing we do. It’s a time for teachers to have conversations with the children about what we’re eating and connect. It’s important.” This perspective highlights how La Petite Academy integrates nutrition into the fabric of their daily program, making it a learning and social opportunity as much as a meal.
Considering a before care program that genuinely cares about your child’s health and well-being? La Petite Academy in Des Moines, with its robust nutrition program and dedication to healthy eating education, could be an excellent choice. Their participation in the CACFP and commitment to initiatives like Grow Fit demonstrate their expertise and experience in providing a nurturing and health-focused environment for young children.
National CACFP Week is March 11-15.
