Menu

 

At Casper’s Early Learning Co-operative Centre, children are provided with nutritious meals and snacks from a 6-week rotating menu, with one menu designed for the winter months and another for the summer. This ensures that children enjoy a variety of seasonal foods while receiving the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Each menu is carefully planned to follow the Canada Food Guide, emphasizing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting excess sugar, salt, and fat. Meals and snacks are offered approximately every three hours, which includes a come-and-go breakfast in the morning, a balanced lunch at midday, and an afternoon snack to support children’s energy levels throughout the day.

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To promote independence and self-help skills, all preschool children learn how to scoop out their food onto their own plates and pour their own milk at each mealtime. Toddlers are also learning this process, with educators supporting them as they begin to develop these important skills. This practice not only encourages fine motor development but also helps children build confidence and responsibility during mealtimes.

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To accommodate the needs of all children, Casper’s maintains a nut- and fish-free environment. This commitment helps create a safe space for children with allergies, while still ensuring that meals remain flavorful and nutritious. Some items may be subject to change to account for product availability or to better meet children’s needs, but substitutions always follow the same nutritional standards.

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All food service practices at Casper’s align with Saskatchewan’s Child Care Regulations, which require licensed centres to provide safe and balanced meals, follow proper food handling procedures, and consider children’s developmental needs when planning menus. In addition, these regulations ensure staff maintain appropriate supervision and health standards during mealtimes. The Centre’s licensee manual outlines these practices in detail, providing clear guidance on nutrition, food safety, staff responsibilities, and parent communication.

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By combining seasonal menu planning, allergy precautions, child-led mealtime practices, and adherence to provincial regulations, Casper’s creates a dining environment that not only supports children’s health and well-being but also fosters independence, confidence, and positive lifelong habits.