Program Rhythm & Learning Focus

Rather than following a rigid academic schedule, Harlem Little Learners uses a weekly and monthly rhythm that provides consistency while allowing children to learn at their own pace.

Learning experiences may include:

– Early literacy and language-rich activities
– Music, movement, and sensory exploration
– Practical life skills that build independence
– Early numeracy through hands-on materials
– Seasonal themes and age-appropriate exploration

This approach allows children to engage deeply without pressure, while building the foun

Arrival & Settling
Children are welcomed into the space and supported as they transition from home, with quiet activities that encourage comfort and ease.

Morning Learning & Exploration
Children engage in hands-on activities that support early literacy, communication, problem-solving, and independence through play and guided exploration.

Meals & Care Routines
Meals and snacks are incorporated into the day as opportunities for nourishment, routine, and social interaction.

Rest & Quiet Time
Children are given time to rest and reset in a calm setting that supports individual needs and self-regulation.

Afternoon Activities & Transitions
The day continues with age-appropriate activities, movement, and quiet play before pick-up, helping children transition smoothly back to their families.

Harlem Little Learners participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Meals served meet federal nutrition standards.

CACFP Meal Pattern Requirements

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

BREAKFAST

Component	Ages 1–2	Ages 3–5
Milk (unflavored)	½ cup	¾ cup
Fruit or Vegetable	¼ cup	½ cup
Grain	½ serving	½ serving

- Grain must meet serving size equivalents (½ slice bread, ¼ cup cooked cereal, etc.).
- At least one grain per day must be whole grain-rich.
- Flavored milk not allowed.

Lunch/Supper

Component	Ages 1–2	Ages 3–5
Milk (unflavored)	½ cup	¾ cup
Meat / Meat Alternate	¼ cup	½ cup
Grain	½ serving	½ serving
Vegetable
Fruit

- Vegetable and fruit must be served as separate components.
- Meat alternates include beans, yogurt, cheese, eggs, tofu.
- Yogurt must be ≤ 23g sugar per 6 oz.
- Juice is limited (best avoided entirely).

Snacks (A Selection of 2 Different Components)

Component	Ages 1–2	Ages 3–5
Milk (unflavored)	½ cup	¾ cup
Meat / Meat Alternate	½ oz	½ oz
Grain	½ serving	½ serving
Vegetable	⅛ cup	¼ cup
Fruit	⅛ cup	¼ cup

- Must serve 2 different components.
- Fruit + Vegetable is allowed.
- Cannot serve two of same component (fruit + fruit not allowed).
Juice may only be served once per day and must be 100% juice (again, best avoided).