Nutrition
ATU is pleased to provide a freshly prepared, plant-forward snack menu. We serve highly nutritious snacks that are culturally diverse and developmentally appropriate. The goal of snack time is to introduce children to a wide variety of whole foods including seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains and plant-based proteins (e.g. beans, lentils). The weekly menu is posted on Procare and the family bulletin board. Snacks are provided each morning at 9:00 am and afternoon at 3:00 pm.
We encourage the children to sample whatever we have to offer and try to introduce the children to new foods as much as possible. We know that the average child needs to be exposed to a food up to 20 times before they try it! Parents and guardians are welcome to bring in an alternative snack for their child in case they are not interested in the snack offered at school. Apple Tree University Preschool provides milk during lunch time and water is offered throughout the day.
At ATU, we prioritize the safety and well-being of every child in our care. As such, we are proud to be a peanut-free school environment. This decision is rooted in our commitment to ensuring the safety of children with severe peanut allergies. By maintaining a peanut-free environment, we create a space where all children can learn, play, and thrive without the risk of exposure to allergens. We appreciate your cooperation and support in helping us keep our school safe for everyone.
Please click here to see our live snack menu! To maintain freshness of ingredients, we occasionally make edits to our menu such as switching two days before bananas turn brown! There is a physical copy on our parent communication board in the lobby but we also keep this document up to date with the latest information.
Sample Snack Menu
Health Practices
Illness prevention
Young children are vulnerable to illness due to their developing immune systems and tendency to explore their environments. At ATU, we prioritize illness prevention through various proactive measures:
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Promoting Good Hygiene: We educate children on proper handwashing techniques and reinforce the importance of washing hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom or playing outdoors. Our staff supervises handwashing routines to ensure thoroughness.
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Regular Cleaning and Sanitization: Our facility maintains a rigorous cleaning schedule, focusing on high-touch surfaces, toys, and common areas. We use child-safe disinfectants to minimize the spread of germs and viruses.
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Encouraging Respiratory Etiquette: We teach children to cover their mouths and noses with tissues or elbows when coughing or sneezing, helping to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds and flu.
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Monitoring Health: Our staff conducts daily health checks upon arrival to identify any signs of illness in children. We closely monitor symptoms such as fever, cough, or runny nose, and promptly notify parents or guardians if a child exhibits signs of illness.
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Exclusion Policy: To prevent the spread of contagious illnesses, we have a clear exclusion policy in place. Children with symptoms of specific illnesses are temporarily excluded from attending until they are symptom-free and no longer contagious, as recommended by health authorities and outlined in our Family Handbook.
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Educating Families: We provide families with information on illness prevention strategies and encourage open communication about their child's health status. We emphasize the importance of keeping children home when they are unwell to prevent the spread of illness to others.
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Staff Training and Preparedness: Our staff members are trained in emergency and illness protocols, illness prevention, universal precautions, Pediatric CPR and First Aid, proper cleaning, disinfection and sanitation procedures and recognizing symptoms of common childhood illnesses. We clean and disinfect all day long. We stay informed about the latest guidelines and recommendations from health authorities to ensure our practices remain up-to-date.
By implementing these measures, we strive to create a safe and healthy environment where children can thrive while minimizing the risk of illness transmission. At ATU, we are committed to promoting the well-being of our students and families through proactive illness prevention efforts.
Immunizations & Allergies
To maintain a healthy environment, we require all children and staff to be immunized against childhood illnesses. Immunizations are vital for preventing the spread of contagious diseases and protecting vulnerable individuals, including infants, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Learn more about what immunizations your child needs at: CDC Immunization Schedules
We provide nutritious snacks and accommodate children with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Our staff is trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions and prevent cross-contamination. If a child has a food allergy, all employees and volunteers are informed and we make note of the allergy on our allergy document posted where food & snacks are prepared. If a child has a severe allergy and requires an EpiPen, parents must provide the EpiPen and complete Parent Consent For Administration of Medications LIC 9221. All teachers are trained to use EpiPens and will be informed of the allergy.
Did you know?
At Apple Tree University and Infant Center, we promote proper nutrition for our children and staff by serving fruit and vegetable forward snacks twice a day.