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Six Benefits of Family-style Dining

Six Benefits of Family-style Dining
By Parent Marketing Group|

Family-style dining can look like many different things. From the perfect Thanksgiving meal commencing with thanks to a rowdy picnic at the soccer field between games. The only necessary ingredients in family-style dining are

  • a family
  • food

Lessons to Learn

Family-style dining is a tradition at The Academy. We know that there are many things you can teach children at the table. Consider these opportunities:

  • It’s a perfect time to teach children how to share and use good manners.”Please use your quiet voice,” “Please pass the potatoes.”
  • It’s a good time to talk about making smart food choices. Talking about healthy food and healthy portions while you are eating feels natural instead of “preachy.”
  • Family-style dining helps children develop poise. Knowing how to act at the table and how to talk without interrupting each other helps a child know how to act in public.
  • It improves motor skills and coordination, especially if you don’t pre-plate a child’s food. It takes considerable coordination to move food from a dish or platter. Likewise, it takes coordination to use all types of serving utensils. Add to that the fact that food comes in many sizes, shapes, and consistencies, and you have a perfect motor-skill exercise.
  • Family-style dining provides chances to show acceptance and kindness. Food can get spilled, drinks can get turned over. Accepting and encouraging your child in spite of a mess does wonders for the child.
  • It helps develop self-confidence and independence. If a child is at the “I can do it myself” stage, you can safely allow the child to serve himself or herself with no lurking dangers. A little mess is something you can easily handle, especially when the benefit is engendering independence.

Learn More about The Academy

We invite you to learn more about The Academy and how you can become part of our family.

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Helpful Answers for Families Choosing The Academy

These FAQs share clear details on enrollment, daily routines, learning programs, safety, and what to expect once your child begins at The Academy.

What ages do you accept?

The Academy offers early learning programs designed for children from infancy through Pre-K. Each classroom is built around age-appropriate routines, developmental milestones, and learning goals that support growth at every stage. Children receive the structure they need to feel secure while still having the freedom to explore and learn through play, hands-on activities, and teacher-guided instruction.

We use the Frog Street curriculum to provide consistent learning across classrooms and age groups. This curriculum supports early literacy, communication, motor development, and social-emotional skills through structured themes and purposeful activities. Our teachers follow curriculum-based lesson plans while also adapting the day to each classroom’s pace, helping children stay engaged and supported as they make meaningful progress.

Yes. Enrichment programs are included in tuition and offered throughout the week. These sessions add variety and excitement to a child’s routine by introducing creative activities, movement, cultural exploration, and age-appropriate science experiences. Enrichment helps children build confidence, discover new interests, and stay motivated by adding new learning experiences beyond the core classroom schedule.

Strong parent communication is a key part of a successful childcare experience. Families receive updates through our communication system, which may include daily reports, photos, and important notes about meals, naps, or classroom moments. Our team aims to keep families informed, reduce surprises, and create consistent support between home and school throughout the year.

Safety is a top priority at every Academy location. Our centers follow structured protocols for drop-off and pickup, classroom supervision, and daily accountability. Staff are trained to maintain safe routines and consistent classroom expectations while supporting children in a calm environment. During a tour, families can learn more about entry procedures, classroom organization, and how we prioritize safety every day.

The easiest way to schedule a tour is by submitting the tour request form on our website. Once we receive your information, a team member will follow up to confirm availability, answer initial questions, and help you choose the best program for your child’s age. Tours are a great time to explore classrooms, learn about daily routines, and better understand the Academy experience.

Before your child starts, our team will share a simple list of items based on your child’s classroom and age group. Most families bring labeled supplies such as extra clothing, diapers or pull-ups if needed, wipes, and any approved comfort items. Teachers will also guide you through routines for drop-off, communication updates, and what to expect during your child’s first few days.

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