SEATTLE - Finding a day care that is safe and nurturing is a top priority for most parents. But some families are looking for something a little more specialized when it comes to the food and environment.
This month a new option called Our Beginning opened in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, and it's believed to be the first certified USDA organic child care center in the state.
The first infant to be enrolled in the child care center is five month old Liam Bell. His mother Megan says she did a lot of research into Seattle day cares before deciding Our Beginning is the right place for her son.
"When they said the doors are open, we didn't think twice about it honestly," she says. "The first day I dropped him off I had such piece of mind honestly."
Our Beginning strives to be green and organic. The walls sport chemical free paint, the carpets are all made of natural fibers, and the food going into the tiny bodies is more than 98% organic. The day care's cook makes almost everything on site, from organic apple and celery juice, to the homemade spinach cream spread on whole grain bagels.
"I wanted a facility that can provide healthy meals to children, because the concept is not only do we nourish the mind of children, we nourish their health and their souls," said Our Beginning founder Paula Jones.
Parents agree, including the mother of pre-toddler Asha who says, "They use whole grains, and the foods here are more filling. My daughter happens to be kind of underweight, so for us, the food element was important that she have healthy treats when she does choose to eat, something healthy like vegetables and high fiber."
"It does matter. I think this whole holistic healthy baby, healthy mind, healthy body is really really important," seconds Megan.
Paula Jones says hers is the first child care center in the state to receive the USDA certification for an organic kitchen, but she hopes more will follow. New Beginning opened its doors in Fremont on January 4th, and is open to children ranging from six weeks, to five years old.
For more information, go to their web site at www.ourbeginning.com.
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