A Cool Way to Eat Smart — Healthy Summer Snacking with Toddlers

As temperatures rise, summer brings more than just sunshine and outdoor adventures — it’s also the perfect season to refresh your toddler’s diet with healthy, energizing foods. Encouraging nutritious eating habits in young children sets the foundation for lifelong wellness, and summer is a great time to make healthy eating fun, interactive, and delicious.

One simple and exciting way to do that? Get kids involved in making their own healthy snacks — like Frozen Yogurt Bark.


Why Healthy Eating Matters in the Summer

During the summer months, toddlers are more active, whether they’re running through sprinklers, playing at the park, or splashing in the pool. All that movement requires plenty of nourishment — but not just any snack will do. Choosing nutrient-rich options helps children:

  • Stay hydrated with water-rich fruits like strawberries and cucumbers
  • Maintain energy levels through balanced snacks full of protein and fiber
  • Support growth and development with vitamins, calcium, and healthy fats
  • Build immunity, which is especially important with more exposure to outdoor germs

Frozen Yogurt Bark: A Healthy, Kid-Approved Snack

Frozen Yogurt Bark is a perfect example of a wholesome summer treat that satisfies cravings and supports your child’s nutritional needs.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp raisins
  • 5 fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips

Simply mix the yogurt and honey, stir in raisins, and spread the mixture on a foil-lined tray. Sprinkle with strawberries and chocolate chips, freeze for a few hours, and break into pieces for a refreshing, sweet-and-creamy snack!


The Benefits of Getting Toddlers Involved in Cooking

Having toddlers help in the kitchen does more than pass the time — it teaches essential life skills and encourages a positive relationship with food. When kids help make their own snacks, they are:

  • More likely to try new foods
  • Learning healthy habits through hands-on experience
  • Building confidence and independence
  • Developing fine motor skills by pouring, stirring, and chopping with supervision

It also turns snack time into a bonding activity. Let your child pick their toppings — blueberries, granola, or even shredded coconut — and watch their creativity come to life!


A Summer of Smart Snacking

This summer, cool off and fuel up with nutritious choices that your kids can help make. Frozen Yogurt Bark is just the beginning — by creating fun and healthy food together, you’re not just making snacks, you’re making memories (and healthy habits) that last long after summer ends.

Try it out and tag us with your creations — we’d love to see your frozen masterpieces!

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week at Magical Beginnings

At Magical Beginnings, we believe there’s a unique magic in teaching. The warmth, patience, and endless dedication our teachers show every day deserve recognition and gratitude. That’s why Teacher Appreciation Week holds a special place in our hearts. It’s our chance to celebrate the incredible individuals who shape the future through their kindness, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our children

Honoring the Heart of Our Community

Teaching is more than a job; it’s a calling. Teachers nurture curiosity, inspire confidence, and guide children on their journey of learning and self-discovery. They are the foundation of our Magical Beginnings community, and we deeply value their tireless efforts to care for and educate each child who walks through our doors.

This week, we came together to shine a light on all the extraordinary things our teachers do. Parents, children, and staff joined forces to create heartfelt tokens of appreciation, from homemade cards to thoughtful gifts. Every gesture, big or small, was a testament to how much our educators mean to all of us.

A Reflection of Our Core Values

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week isn’t just a fun tradition; it’s also a reflection of who we are at Magical Beginnings. Our values are rooted in respect, gratitude, and care. We strive to honor everyone who contributes to our magical community—from the children who fill our classrooms with laughter to the educators who nurture their dreams.

These values guide us every day:

  • Respect: We honor the unique talents and hard work of each team member. Our teachers deserve a moment in the spotlight for their invaluable contributions.
  • Gratitude: A simple “thank you” can spark joy. Taking the time to acknowledge the love and dedication our teachers pour into their work strengthens our community.
  • Care: At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to caring deeply for each other. Whether it’s encouraging a child, mentoring a colleague, or welcoming a family, our educators embody this spirit every day.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Community

Teacher Appreciation Week reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude—not only during special occasions but every single day. Our educators are superheroes who inspire children, empower families, and strengthen our community. To all of our teachers, thank you for your positivity, dedication, and for going above and beyond to sprinkle a little magic into every day.

To our parents and families, thank you for joining us in making this celebration so meaningful. Your support and participation are what make Magical Beginnings feel like home.

Want to get involved or learn more about our inclusive and nurturing approach to early childhood education? Reach out to us here, or schedule a tour to see the magic firsthand.

Together, we’re planting seeds of kindness and helping little dreams grow!

Magical Beginnings Learning Centers Expands to Medford with New Early Education Center

Community Open House Scheduled for May 3rd Ahead of Official Opening on May 19th, 2025

Medford, MA – April 30th, 2025 — Magical Beginnings Learning Centers is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest center, located at 10 Cabot Road in Medford, MA. Families are invited to a Community Open House on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, featuring entertainment from the enchanting Bubble Fairy, face painting, and hands-on sensory and art projects for children.

The Medford center will officially open its doors on May 19th, 2025, and will provide early education and care for up to 99 children, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. This new location marks Magical Beginnings’ 15th center in Massachusetts and its continued commitment to supporting families with high-quality, play-based learning environments.

“We’re thrilled to bring Magical Beginnings to the Medford community,” said Bre Quinn, Director of Enrollment. “For 25 years, we’ve helped children across Massachusetts grow, learn, and thrive in nurturing, engaging spaces. This new center allows us to extend high-quality early education and childcare to even more families. As a former Medford resident myself, I am confident that we will become a part of the strong community that makes this city so special.”

Founded in 2000, Magical Beginnings has built a trusted reputation for its child-centered philosophy, experienced educators, and warm, welcoming environments. With a focus on building self-confidence through curiosity and community, the dedicated educators at Magical Beginnings help children grow at their own pace, preparing them for a bright and confident future.

Families interested in touring the new facility or enrolling can attend the open house or contact the center directly at 978-643-5510 or www.magicalbeginningslc.com/medford/.

For more information follow Magical Beginnings on social media on Facebook and Instagram.

RSVP for the Community Open House.

About Magical Beginnings
At Magical Beginnings, we believe in the everyday magic of childhood. Our warm, welcoming learning centers nurture children’s natural sense of wonder and help them develop important life skills like kindness, independence, and teamwork. We have been providing exceptional care and education for young children for 25 years. At our 15 centers across Massachusetts, we believe that every child has a unique spark, deserving of a nurturing environment where they feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore the world around them. Our programs include infants, toddlers, preschool/pre-k.

Best of North Shore 2024 Readers’ Choice Winner!

We are thrilled to announce that we have won the Reader’s Choice Award for Best Kids Program on the Northshore by Northshore Magazine for the 4th year in a row! 


This incredible honor is a testament to the exceptional dedication of our teachers, our impressive retention rates, and the high-quality care we provide.

Our teachers’ unwavering commitment to excellence, their passion for education, and their ability to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for our students are the cornerstones of our success. 🌟 The loyalty and satisfaction of our families underscore the trust and confidence our community places in us.

Thank you to our amazing team for their hard work, and to our wonderful parents and students for their continuous support. We couldn’t have achieved this without you! 🙏

Best of North Shore 2022 Editor’s & Readers’ Choice Winner!

Magical Beginnings has been awarded a Best of North Shore Award (BONS) for the second year running! We were awarded the Editor’s Choice and Readers’ Choice awards. 


Our exceptional teachers and staff are so deserving of this recognition for their work and their passion!

Each member of our MB family goes above and beyond to ensure a positive impact for children during the most crucial years of development. We are so proud of this award! 

Thank you for being a part of our community! 

Best of North Shore 2023 Readers’ Choice Winner!

Magical Beginnings has been awarded a Best of North Shore Award (BONS) for the third year running! We were awarded the Readers’ Choice award for Best Kids’ Program/Early Enrichment. 


Our exceptional teachers and staff are so deserving of this recognition for their work and their passion!

Each member of our MB family goes above and beyond to ensure a positive impact for children during the most crucial years of development. We are so proud of this award! 

Thank you for being a part of our community! 

World Kindness Day

Today is World Kindness Day! Read on for simple ways you can celebrate the day with your kids. 

  • Make a meal for a neighbor
  • Read a story to a younger sibling
  • Rake a neighbor’s leaves
  • Offer walk a neighbor’s dog
  • Pick up trash at a local park or playground
  • Hold the door for someone else
  • Write a thank you letter to a teacher
  • Write a thank you letter to a service member
  • Draw pictures and write notes of gratitude for local healthcare workers
  • Round up canned goods for the local homeless shelter
  • Donate gently used toys
  • Leave a bottle of water and a snack out for the mail carrier
  • Use sidewalk chalk to share positive messages to neighbors
  • Choose a favorite charity and start a savings jar
  • Pull a neighbor’s garbage or recycling can up their driveway
  • Make get-well cards for children in the hospital
  • Clean up someone else’s mess
  • Hide sweet or funny notes all around your house for your family to find
  • Tell a grandparent what you love most about them
  • Donate used books to the local library.

Magical Beginnings Opens Beverly Location

On October 25th, we officially opened the doors to our newest school, located in Beverly. This is the seventh location for Magical Beginnings since its founding in 2000. 

Meet The Beverly Office Team

Melissa Ritchie, former Director of the Maple Street school, is our new Director at our Beverly location. Ritchie has been with Magical Beginnings since 2000. 

Amy Waldron comes to Beverly as the new Office Manager. Previously Waldron was a toddler teacher in Middleton. 

They are both thrilled to welcome all the new families to Beverly!

Beverly School Details

Bonbon sweet roll jelly-o cake lemon drops topping gummi bears caramels. Dessert icing pudding croissant gingerbread topping sesame snaps. 

Conveniently located next to I-95, the Beverly school is approximately 6,200 square feet, with plans for six classrooms for infants through pre-k students. Located at 50 Dunham Ridge Rd, the school will care for 40 preschool students, 18 toddlers, and 14 infants at full capacity. The playground features a large tree lined outdoor space which is divided into toddler and preschool areas.

Join Our Team

Magical Beginnings is actively recruiting teachers and staff in Beverly and several other North Shore locations. If you love children and are looking for a rewarding career—we want to meet you!