Integrated Nutrition

Incorporating a healthy relationship with nutrient-dense foods is a cornerstone of our curriculum. We work with each child individually to build their confidence in trying new foods and support a healthy relationship with food by teaching children about it in a morally neutral way, focusing on the fact that food fuels our bodies.

We believe that our bodies evolved with the world around us and need certain micro and macro nutrients to survive and thrive. Treats like ice cream and candy are yummy and enjoyable, and we recognize they are something to enjoy at home with our families. At school, we provide treats in the form of foods that nourish our bodies' needs. We never disparage any food choices and always speak positively and neutrally about food. For instance, if a child comes to school talking about ice cream, we will say, "Wow, that sounds so yummy. I am so happy you got to have that delicious treat. I love ice cream." This approach helps children understand that the foods eaten at school are whole foods that support our brains but that foods eaten at home or on a special occasion are just as yummy and safe.

We take developing healthy relationships with food very seriously and never want to make a child feel like any food not on our menu is "bad." Our curriculum does not label foods as "bad" or "good"; instead, we introduce children to a variety of healthy foods that nourish their bodies, without shaming any other foods in the process.

We genuinely understand that many children can be selective about their food choices and that some families may have hesitations about their child indulging some of our more colorful dishes. Rest assured that our experience has shown that children are much more likely to expand their palates and try new foods when they are surrounded by peers who are eating the same things. Phoenix House fosters a supportive and encouraging environment where trying new foods becomes a shared adventure and an exciting part of our week.

Deconstructed Meals:

Our low adult:child ratio allows us to be very accommodating to each child. We will offer deconstructed versions of meals to help children try new things. For example, if a child seems hesitant about a mixed quinoa bowl, we will offer them individual portions of just quinoa, just veggies, or just beans to help them get comfortable with the dish.

Additional Healthy Options:

We offer fresh, organic fruit, veggies, yogurt, string cheese, organic tortilla chips (plain or with hummus or salsa), and several other simple staples to your child daily, giving your child access to a variety of safe foods.

Peer Influence:

Seeing their friends try and enjoy new foods that they may have been uncomfortable with in another setting often encourages children to do the same. This positive peer influence can significantly help in expanding their dietary preferences.

At Phoenix House, we prioritize creating a communal and inclusive environment, especially during snack and mealtime. With the exception of special dietary or medical circumstances, we strongly encourage families to allow their children to enjoy the snacks and meals provided by our program.

Snack and mealtime at Phoenix House are more than just eating—they are communal activities where children bond, learn social skills, and enjoy the experience of eating together. We serve fresh, organic snacks and meals family-style, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages children to try and enjoy the food along with their peers.

Additionally, all snacks and meals are included in your child's tuition. This means that your child has the opportunity to benefit from our nutritious, homemade meals every day, without any extra cost to you. By participating in our meal program, your child is not only receiving healthy food but also experiencing the joy of shared mealtimes with friends.

We believe that when all children eat from the same selection of foods they are more likely to try new things and develop healthy eating habits. Therefore, to make the most of what Phoenix House has to offer, we encourage you to allow your child to partake in our meal program.

If your child has special dietary needs or restrictions, please reach out to us so we can discuss how we can best accommodate them while still fostering a sense of community during meals. We are of course more than happy to accommodate individual dietary needs upon request.

At Phoenix House, we cherish birthdays and celebrate each child's special day with love and joy. Every child will have the opportunity to celebrate their birthday with their Phoenix House family in a meaningful and memorable way.

Following the rich traditions of the Waldorf model, we honor each birthday with a special reading for your child during circle time. Your child will also have the chance to have a candle lit in their honor and wear the coveted birthday crown and cape, making their day feel truly magical.

Regarding treats, Phoenix House will provide the treats on your child’s special day. In the morning, we will celebrate with a selection of fresh fruit of your child’s choosing and in the afternoon, your child and their friends will enjoy a delicious, seasonal treat like refreshing dye-free popsicles or warm banana bread.

Therefore, parents and caregivers do not need to bring treats from home. Our carefully planned celebrations ensure that your child's birthday is both special and rhythmic so that every child is celebrated in the same way. We understand the excitement of wanting to celebrate your child and warmly welcome you (parents and caregivers) to join us for their birthday celebration during our morning circle time.

We love our little ones and strive to make them feel included in every aspect of our day, including snack and mealtimes. Before infants are weaned, we ask families to supply breastmilk or formula from home. We are also big supporters of breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding, and we have a cozy private area set up for parents who want to come over and breastfeed their child anytime during the day.

Our environment is very homey, with an intentionally mixed-age cohort that makes our infants feel like part of a big, loving family. We know that infants are naturally curious and eager to explore their world. During snack and mealtimes, infants who aren’t yet eating solid foods can play, cuddle with our staff, or sit in a high chair to watch the older kids – whatever makes them feel most comfortable and included.

When it’s time to start introducing solid foods, we embrace the baby-led weaning approach, allowing infants to explore new tastes and textures at their own pace. We’re here to support families through this exciting milestone, ensuring that every baby’s transition to solid foods is a positive and nurturing experience.