10 The Best of Monterey Bay® Family 2024-2025 Test Kitchen Even the youngest children gain confidence by learning how to fix their own food. By Celia Jiménez T opped by chef hats and draped in colorful aprons, young children at the Soledad Community Center gear up before they start preparing dinner. For the past two years, the City of Soledad has offered a cooking class for kids ages 3-5. Known as Tiny Chefs, the program helps parents and children bond over food, gives youngsters an opportunity to express themselves creatively and helps them learn about nutrition. Lessons from the kitchen can go even further when it comes to child development. “Cooking encourages children’s critical thinking, creates a sense of responsibility, develops creativity and independence,” says Priscilia Rodriguez, a recreation coordinator with the city. An instructor oversees the process, as kids prepare favorite dishes—pita pockets, lasagna, salad or a cinnamon cake. Then comes the best part. They dig in. Brenda Arreola enrolled her youngest, Tatyana, in the Tiny Chefs class. Her daughter is always watching closely when Arreola cooks at home. “I thought it was a great program Above: Budding chefs show off their handiwork at Soledad’s Tiny Chefs, a program for children 3-5 years old. Below: A Tiny Chefs participant happily rolls out dough during one of the classes, meant to encourage creativity and a sense of responsibility. courtesy brenda arreola courtesy brenda arreola
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