Bandera, Texas — Grace Noah’s Ark Learning Center has earned statewide recognition for its commitment to child nutrition as a Texas Healthy Building Blocks (THBB) Recognized Early Childhood Education Program.
The designation, awarded through the Texas Healthy Building Blocks initiative, honors early childhood education programs that adopt evidence-based obesity prevention practices aimed at improving the health of children ages 0 to 5.
Grace Noah’s Ark received the recognition specifically in the area of Child Nutrition.
With support from technical assistance and online resources provided by THBB, the staff at Grace Noah’s Ark evaluated their current practices and policies, set improvement goals, and implemented changes to provide high-quality care and promote healthy habits for children in their program, according to a press release.
According to Texas Healthy Building Blocks, more than one in four young children in the state is classified as obese.
Programs that meet THBB criteria implement nationally recommended health standards and best practices to create a healthy learning environment.
At Grace Noah’s Ark, this includes new activities for children and families, staff and volunteer training, and enhancements to the classroom environment.
Texas Healthy Building Blocks is a statewide initiative funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services and administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The program aims to help young children thrive by promoting healthy habits early in life.
For more information about Texas Healthy Building Blocks, visit childcare.tamu. edu/thbb/ or contact Jessica Faubion, Family & Community Health County Extension Agent for Bandera County, at 830-796-7755 or jessica.faubion@ ag.tamu.edu.
.png)
