Did you know that eating requires us to use all eight of our senses?

For children with feeding or sensory challenges, this can make mealtimes feel especially tricky. Cooking and other fun food activities can be a wonderful opportunity to learn about new foods in an engaging environment while spending time with parents and/or peers. Often when children have the opportunity to learn and cook their own foods, it can make it feel a little less scary to interact with and try them too! Our food and cooking clubs encourage socialization between peers and will support those who may have feeding or sensory challenges. Children of all ability levels are encouraged to join us as we have fun together in the kitchen!

All groups will be taught by STAR Institute therapists who are trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding and who love FOOD! Picky/selective eaters are encouraged and welcome to join! Not sure if your child qualifies as a picky eater? Check out this Red Flags Checklist. We will help meet the sensory needs of all children in class and be aware of any food sensitivities or allergies.

Snack and Play Program | In-person | For Ages 2-7
 

Fall Session
Dates: August 24 – November 9 | Thursdays
Time: 9:15am - 10:45am
Duration: 90 minutes, 1x weekly for 12 weeks

Groups are arranged for children as young as 2 years and as old as 7 years and are organized based on therapy needs.

Cost: $2500 for 24 sessions* (12 Snack & Play sessions & 12 Parent Education sessions)

Snack and Play program brings together children ages 2-7 to a fun and social environment to work on creating positive food experiences while they develop and expand various sensory capacities and food skills. This 12-week program is designed for children who have challenges around mealtimes and eating.  The group lays foundations for feeding that will support children in feeling comfortable at the table and more willing to explore a variety of foods. By learning a new routine and structure around foods, by practicing eating with peers, and by learning about foods through play, children will build their capacity for social eating in daycares, schools, and other peer environments.

Lead by STAR therapists, sessions begin with sensory motor warm-ups to get their bodies and brains moving. The group then engages in play-based learning at the table. Food is provided by STAR and selected each session based on the play themes, goals, and sensory/oral motor needs of the children. Our Snack and Play program is a great way for kids to make connections and learn from peers. Parents benefit from 12 tailored educational sessions while being able to watch their kids from behind a two-way mirror.  

Is your child a fit for Snack & Play? Any child can come and have fun with us, but we also support picky eaters & problem feeders.

We can support your child if he/she:

• Is a very selective eater
• Has to have foods “just right”
• Won’t try new foods
• Resists meal times
• Has a history of feeding challenges, that may include:
  • NG or G-tube
  • Difficulty breast or bottle feeding
  • Low/slow weight gain
• Seems scared of new foods
• Grazes all day instead of eating meals

*Funding assistance available through Developmental Pathways - limited spaces available, funding not guaranteed, and must be eligible for the program. Contact STAR therapist Rachel Balderrama at rachel.balderrama@sensoryhealth.org for additional information or questions.

Food Scientist Club | In-person | For children ages 8-14

Fall Session
Dates: October 4 - November 15 | Wednesdays
Time: 4:15pm to 5:45pm
Duration: 90 minutes, 1x weekly for 7 weeks
Cost: $900 for 7 sessions with two STAR Feeding Therapists

STAR’s Food Scientist Club is perfect for kids who like to think about and question how things work! Each week the Food Scientist Club conducts different food experiments to learn about the properties of foods. Food Scientists practice fixing, tweaking, and problem solving to create the perfect food. Kids will expand their understanding of food while having fun with peers. Who said not to play with your food?!

*Funding assistance available through Developmental Pathways - limited spaces available, funding not guaranteed, and must be eligible for the program. Contact STAR therapist Rachel Balderrama at rachel.balderrama@sensoryhealth.org for additional information or questions.

Food Scouts | In-person | For children ages 6-10

Spring Session
Dates: May 2 - May 25 | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time: 4:15pm to 5:45pm
Cost: $720 for 8 sessions

Come join STAR’s Food Scouts as we learn and grow through fun outdoor activities to get your body moving and learn about nutrition and our bodies, foods, and cooking. Our planned outdoor activities are a great way to provide social and experiential learning while getting our scouts outdoors in the natural environment. Similar to other scout groups, our Food Scouts will learn and work together through various health and wellness-focused activities to earn their own scout badges. Get ready to make friends, get your body moving, learn about foods and have fun outdoors!

*Funding assistance available through Developmental Pathways - limited spaces available, funding not guaranteed, and must be eligible for the program. Contact STAR therapist Rachel Balderrama at rachel.balderrama@sensoryhealth.org for additional information or questions.

Cooking Club | In-person | For children ages 8-12

Fall Session Coming Soon
 

STAR Cooking Club is perfect for all kids! This group will focus on helping kids learn about new foods as well as build positive peer interactions. Kids will work with each other to cook foods from around the world - a rich, cultural experience that encourages sensory exploration and helps develop sensory problem solving. This group is great for kids who are interested in increasing confidence with peers, social eating and learning about new foods.
 

*Funding assistance available through Developmental Pathways - limited spaces available, funding not guaranteed, and must be eligible for the program. Contact STAR therapist Rachel Balderrama at rachel.balderrama@sensoryhealth.org for additional information or questions.