Shaping Early Palates

Learning Care Group

2023 Progress Report

Year Committed: 2017

Length of Commitment: 3 years

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Committed to developing physical activity and gardening curriculums to further encourage outdoor and indoor play. As well as phasing out less healthy snacks and food from its menu.

Verified Results

Implementation Date
May 2020

Commitment Element
Develop a Physical Activity curriculum that expands upon the existing program to further provide Center Directors and teachers a module of guided activities and/or classes for indoor and outdoor play.
Progress To Date

This was completed and reported in November 2019.
Implementation Date
April 2024

Commitment Element
90% of centers will have implemented the curriculum and age-appropriate guided activities and/or classes.
Progress To Date

Every lead teacher uses the new Physical Activity curriculum when planning their weekly lessons and activities.
Implementation Date
May 2021

Commitment Element
Remove all grain-based desserts from the Grow Fit Menu.
Progress To Date

This was completed and reported in November 2019.
Implementation Date
May 2021

Commitment Element
Ensure all grains offered are whole grains by eliminating or replacing the last of existing non-whole grain items.
Progress To Date

This was completed and reported in November 2019.
Implementation Date
May 2021

Commitment Element
Develop a Gardening Program and curriculum available to all Learning Care Group center locations that will include scalable options for both outdoor and indoor gardens managed by school staff. The Gardening Program will offer opportunities for hands-on learning for preschoolers and school-agers alike.
Progress To Date

This was completed in March 2023.
Implementation Date
May 2021

Commitment Element
Implement the Gardening Program and curriculum in 66% of centers.
Progress To Date

Learning Care Group was unable to collect this data from the field.
Implementation Date
April 2024

Commitment Element
Ensure at least 90% of teachers in participating schools receive at least 1 hour of teacher training for the Gardening Program curriculum.
Progress To Date

The curriculum was completed in 2022 and the teacher training was recorded and shared with all centers. This comprehensive training was educational, engaging, and encouraging. It outlined the benefits of school gardens for young children, including serving as outdoor learning centers, extending classroom learning, and teaching environmental awareness. The training reviewed the pros and cons of different types of gardens, the steps to maintain a garden, and tips for getting started. The training was interactive and included polls and time for group discussion questions.
Implementation Date
May 2021

Commitment Element
Ensure garden offerings include vegetables and herbs that could potentially be utilized by Center cooks in meals.
Progress To Date

This was completed and reported in November 2019.

Partner Statement

At all Learning Care Group (LCG) schools, the company continues to deliver on its commitment to prioritize nutrition and fitness through Grow Fit ® , its comprehensive healthy lifestyle initiative. Created by a registered dietitian nutritionist, the Grow Fit menu offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, multi-cultural offerings, and 100% whole- grain-rich options, including new additions such as . Rice and Corn Chex and Chicken & Vegetable Dumplings—already favorites with the children! LCG continues to avoid offering all fried foods, juice, desserts, and condiments (such as syrup). LCG’s Grow Fit Recipe Book features many standardized recipes with vegetarian alternatives, such as Aztec Beef Lasagna or Aztec Vegetarian Lasagna (meatless protein source). In keeping with its support of PHA’s Veggies Early and Often campaign, LCG continues to educate families on the importance of including veggies frequently in their children’s diets. A new vegetable is highlighted monthly through LCG’s family newsletter. Tips on why you should eat them, best purchasing practices, and PHA-approved recipes are shared. Additionally, veggie-forward recipes are included on their PHA-approved Grow Fit menus, including Charro Beans and Mexican Cucumber Salad. Physical activity is also an essential part of every school day., LCG’s Grow Fit Yoga program continues to be a hit. The Grow Fit Garden program continues to evolve, with school training, enhanced curriculum, and additional resources for activities. Also, the seed program aligns with the Grow Fit recipe book, which enables schools to utilize what they grow in the meals served to the children.