At WECP we’re dedicated to providing a safe and clean learning environment for all our young friends. We understand that allergies are a common concern among parents, and we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all our little learners.

In this section, we'll provide you with valuable information about how we handle allergies during snack time. Our dedicated staff is well-trained in allergy awareness, and we follow strict procedures to ensure that every child can enjoy snack time without any worries.

Now, let's delve into the details of our procedures to maintain a secure and enjoyable snack time experience for everyone in our preschool family.

2’s and 3’s class members bring their own snack, to be eaten mid-class. 

Pre-K students eat lunch in class as soon as they arrive. Adults are welcome and encouraged to eat with the class on their work days.  

All Students: 

• Wash hands in warm running water with liquid soap for 20 seconds and dried on individual paper towels, before and after eating.

• Bring their own water bottle - Water is the preferred beverage for preschool - no juice.

• Children must be seated at tables while eating and adults must be seated and supervising children.  

• Children should not share or exchange food. Do not require children to finish their snack.

All Adults:

• Wash, rinse and sanitize food preparation surfaces and serving tables immediately before and after snack and lunch time.

• Wash hands in warm running water with liquid soap for 20 seconds and dried on individual paper towels before and after eating.

• Avoid known allergy foods – Foods like peanuts and other tree nuts, can cause life-threatening reactions and cannot be allowed at preschool in snacks or lunches. When a severe allergy is present in the classroom, additional restrictions may be in place and signage will be posted in the classroom.

• Hot beverages are never allowed in the classroom.

• Adults must be seated and supervising children.  Encourage a calm, unrushed pace, and remind children to chew slowly and not talk with food in their mouth.

• Prevent choking - Provide food in portions and sizes appropriate for your child.

Reduce the Possibility of Choking

• Young children participating in group snack time are learning social skills.   Children’s silly or immature behavior may increase the risk of choking.

• Adult supervision is critical to reduce the risk of choking. Adults need to be seated with children.

• Choking is most often caused by food, toys, bits of latex balloons and other small objects that can easily lodge in a child's small airway. Anything that could get stuck in a child’s throat can be a danger.  

• Be sure to serve children food cut into small, manageable portions or slices.  

• Don't give a child under the age of four any hard, smooth foods that can partially or completely block the windpipe.

• Younger preschoolers and toddlers are more likely to choke on the peel of fruits

• Frozen berries may increase risk of choking. It is important to partially thaw berries or other frozen fruit  that is served in bite-sized portions.