How Bambini Child Care Centres Make Health and Fitness a Priority

As a Reggio-inspired, holistic child care centre, Bambini makes health and fitness a priority for the children in its programs. Bambini’s approaches are multi-faceted and have a positive impact on the families who attend their centres.

YOGA

Bambini programs regularly engage in yoga practices as there are many benefits in teaching children yoga at a young age. Sometimes yoga is incorporated into the regular rhythms of the day and at other times yoga is explored in a “class-like” environment with an instructor leading the practice.

The practise of yoga is also extended to our families, as Bambini has hosted numerous family yoga events, as well as complimentary morning yoga sessions for parents.

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is at the core of our Bambini educators’ practices. Caregivers teach children mindfulness through their interactions with the children and their fellow educators.

While children are participating in everyday activities such as eating, playing with sensory materials, or going for a walk, the educators prompt mindfulness through various verbal and non-verbal cues.

Mindfulness is an important component to supporting mental and emotional well-being. It helps children be present and encourages them to feel comfortable in their emotions.

EMOTION COACHING

Speaking of emotions, Bambini’s educators are educated and trained in emotion coaching. Emotional intelligence is a combination of being aware of one’s own and others’ emotions. The ability to self-regulate and respond to one’s own and others’ emotions in appropriate ways helps children in their journey through life.

At Bambini, we recognize that the formative years are essential in developing emotional intelligence. We are also aware of how emotional intelligence leads to a healthy sense of self and aids in mental health. Our investment in building emotional well-being demonstrates yet another way Bambini makes health a priority.

NUTRITION

Children need a balanced diet and healthy food choices to optimize their potential for learning and growth. The children at Bambini are given two snacks and a complete lunch daily. They also explore healthy alternatives to sweets and treats, such as Avocado Chocolate Pudding and delicious, homemade, whole grain muffins. Children are enticed to eat vegetables when presented with scrumptious, wholesome dips like hummus and Tzatziki.

Furthermore, children participate in gardening activities so that they can experience a connection to the food they eat. Gardening encourages children to try foods they might otherwise not eat.

Likewise, cooking with the children also helps expand their taste in foods. Often, when a child is involved in the creation of a meal or snack, they are more likely to eat it. This approach helps children explore the wide variety of healthy foods available to them.

TIME OUTSIDE

Time outside and exposure to nature are critical for a growing child. Our Reggio-inspired Bambini child care centres emphasize the importance of spending time in nature. Their play yards include many natural elements and their programs include nature walks within the day.

Bambini educators allow for ample unstructured exploration of nature. Children investigate and experiment while being supported by their educators. Here at Bambini, we view nature as an additional educator in our programs – and it shows in the children’s demeanours, as nature often calms and relaxes people.

As you can see, Bambini makes health and fitness a priority in its child care centres. We know the value of living a healthy lifestyle and building healthy habits at a young age is of the utmost importance to us.

Bambini Learning Group is a Reggio-inspired, holistic child care program located in Edmonton, Alberta. Their vision is to inspire families to live healthier, more meaningful lives. Through innovative, holistic, and supportive resources, Bambini is helping children live the authentic childhood they deserve. New locations coming soon! Contact Bambini for more information about their unique, holistic child care program at [email protected], or book a tour to see Bambini for yourself!