Meal Service at Head Start:

• Head Start provides nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with USDA Child Nutrition Programs. Please DO NOT send meals or snacks for your child.

• Staff, volunteers, and children share the same meal at school.

• Please bring your child on time and ready to eat, so he/she may enjoy the meal with classmates.

Babies:

• Formula/breast milk will be the only food offered from birth through 5 months.

• At 6 months of age, solid food will be offered according to developmental readiness.

• Your child’s teacher will ask you to complete/update your child’s feeding needs (formula and baby food) every 30 days for children

0-11 months old.

• If you wish to breastfeed your child at the center, a room will be provided.

• We will not introduce any new foods that have not been given at home first.

Birthdays and Holiday Celebrations:

Special classroom recognition will be given on each child’s birthday. Parents may bring stickers, bubbles, hats, and age-appropriate party favors. Parents are not permitted to bring candy, cookies, cupcakes, and other food items into the school.

Dental Health:

Your child will brush his/her teeth each day at school. Staff will wipe your child’s gums after each feeding if s/he does not have teeth yet.

Food Allergies and Special Diets:

For your child’s safety: 

• If your child has a food allergy, please bring a written care plan signed by your primary care provider and these needs will be met according to the school/center policy.

• Special diets and food intolerances require a doctor’s note and menus will be substituted according to school/center policy.

• Please realize that we CAN NOT change your child’s menu without appropriate documentation from your doctor.

Nutrition Education:

• Nutrition classes are offered to parents to encourage healthy eating habits for themselves and their families.

• Your child is also involved in classroom experiences that teach general nutrition principles appropriate for their age.