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Step 1
Check with the teacher to know when to bring the snack. If the teacher would prefer you not interrupt class, then provide a snack that can be dropped off easily and doesn't require refrigeration. If morning is the appropriate time, focus on a brunch snack such as bagels and fruit. For afternoons, consider a healthy snack that will give the kids energy, such as trail mix, popcorn, fruit or popsicles.
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Step 2
Poll for food allergies. Check with other parents via email or ask the teacher if she knows of any children with food allergies. You don't want to bring peanut butter cookies only to discover three classmates have nut allergies. Consider relatively allergy free foods, such as popsicles, Rice Krispy treats or popcorn.
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Step 3
Think healthy. While it's tempting to be the parent who bakes the best cookies, it's not conducive to a good learning environment to load kids up on sugar and chocolate. Fruit kabobs, bagels, fruit leather, popcorn and popsicles are all reasonable alternatives to baked goodies.
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Step 4
Check with your child. She may have a definite idea of what she'd like on her special day. Keep in mind the classroom restrictions, but do your best to deliver her ideal birthday snack. She may have some great ideas based on what's been provided for other kids, too.
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Step 5
Provide any necessary utensils. Most schools have some basic supplies, but it's helpful to provide plates, forks, napkins and such to make sure the snack is not disruptive to the class.
