Child Care Wellness Policies at Amy & Kids Co.

Your child’s overall well-being is an important part of this program. Healthy meals and daily active play help lay the foundation for lifelong health and learning.

Healthy Meals and Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in how young children grow, feel, and learn each day. In our program, meals and snacks are planned to support steady energy, balanced nutrition, and positive eating habits.

Many children today regularly eat highly processed foods that offer limited nutritional value. In a child care setting, this can affect energy levels, mood, and overall well-being throughout the day.

At Amy & Kids Co., our nutrition practices are designed to support whole, nourishing foods, help reduce reliance on processed foods, and encourage healthy habits that carry into everyday life.

Nutrition Environment

• Meals and snacks will take place at a table. Children will not walk around with food or drinks, including infants with bottles.
• Foods are served family style; children are encouraged to serve themselves and decide how much to eat.
• Parties and celebrations focus on healthy foods and minimize special treats.

Drinks and Hydration

• Fresh water is always available for children to access independently. Infants will be offered water several times daily.
• Children 2 years and older will be served unflavored 1% or skim milk; children 12-24 months will be served unflavored whole milk.
• Juice will be served rarely, only to children over 12 months, and will be 100% fruit or vegetable juice.
• Soda and sugary drinks like Kool-Aid will never be served.

Meals and Food Choices

• An assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on seasonal produce, will be served regularly.
• Whole grains will be served at least once each day.
• A variety of proteins, such as legumes, cheese, eggs, fish, poultry, and meat will be offered.
• Processed foods are limited. Foods are prepared from scratch when possible, with attention to reducing added sugar, salt, and excess fat.

Weekly Menus

• A four-week cycle of weekly menus that change with the seasons are planned with the above guidelines in mind.
• Weekly menus include seasonal foods, as well as foods from a variety of cultures.
• Special dietary needs and food allergies will be supported. Weekly menus will adapt so children with food allergies or special dietary needs can eat the same foods as the other children.

Active Play and Physical Activity in Our Program

Active play is an important part of a young child’s day. Movement supports physical development, coordination, focus, and overall well-being.

In our program, children have daily opportunities to move freely, play outdoors, and engage in active play in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. This helps build positive habits around movement and supports a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

The following wellness policies support active play and encourage children to stay engaged, energized, and active throughout the day:

Space for Active Play

• Children of all ages will have ample open and safe space for moving and being active.
• A rotating variety of safe indoor equipment will be available.
• Children will have access to large outdoor play equipment every time we're outside.
• A wide variety of outdoor portable play equipment will be available to choose from.

Daily Active Play

• Children will have an opportunity to play actively at least 60 minutes each day, preferably outdoors.
• Screen time will be limited and consist of book read-alouds or animated books. No child will be forced to watch a screen.
• Inactive time will be limited as much as possible; a balance of quiet and active activities will be available daily.

Teaching Healthy Habits

• Children will be offered wellness education that promotes good nutrition and physical activity through discussions, books, games, and other activities.
• Parents will receive wellness materials such as handouts, articles, and links to online resources.
• Teachers will receive training in nutrition and/or physical activity regularly.

Commitment to Child Wellness

I believe that it's just as important for children to develop a healthy lifestyle as it is to learn the "ABCs and 123s." As a past participant in Let’s Move! Child Care and a CACFP wellness grant recipient, I am committed to promoting child wellness and helping the children in my care to grow happy and healthy.