Feeding Group

Dates: Thursdays, October 7-January 20 | (No Sessions 11/11, 11/25 & 12/23)
Time: 9:15am to 10:45am

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, 1x weekly for 12 weeks
Cost: $2200 for 24 sessions (12 Snack & Play sessions & 12 Parent Education sessions)

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*Funding assistance available through Developmental Pathways and Rocky Mountain Human Services*


For more information and questions, contact us at 303-221-STAR (7827) or rachel.balderrama@sensoryhealth.org.

Snack and Play Program | In-person | For children ages 3-5

Snack and Play program brings together children ages 3-5 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.  


Children With Feeding Challenges Have a Hard Time During Meals...

(The following is from a child's perspective) My ‘behavior problems’ come out because I don’t have the skills I need to eat like you. I am not trying to misbehave when I refuse certain foods, have bad manners, or don’t listen to you during meals. I’m just trying to avoid eating because it is too hard for me. Research shows that 1 out of 5 kids will struggle with eating at some point between birth and 7 years old. Unfortunately, only about half of us will grow out of our feeding challenges without help.

Feeding Group is for children who experience the following challenges:

  • I eat less than 20 different foods
  • I refuse to eat entire categories of food textures or nutrition groups (meats, vegetables, fruits) 
  • I Cry, Scream, Tantrum, or “fall apart” when new foods are presented or completely refuse
  • I almost always eat a different set of foods than my family; mealtimes are stressful for my family
  • I sometimes stop eating a food that I previously liked
  • I have been described as a “picky eater” at multiple well-child check-ups