2025 Preconference

Are you looking to find a way to share your institutional knowledge and create a pathway for the success of the organization once you retire or move on? If you’ve been managing operations for a considerable amount of time and want to learn how to exit or grow into a new role while protecting the food program and those you serve, learn about strategies you can use while contributing to the conversation.

Efficient program monitoring and oversight are essential in the CACFP and for ensuring the success of your organization. Discover best practices and opportunities of how to conduct reviews that not only meet program requirements, but also support and lift up the child care provider. Expand your understanding of effective oversight and ensure program compliance with confidence.

Wishing to enhance your nutritional awareness, promote cultural integration, and foster community engagement by integrating Indigenous foods into the child nutrition experience? Learn how to develop strategic approaches to create six-week menus that include Indigenous foods, establish local partnerships, provide family service opportunities for learning about healthy foods, and plan activities with Indigenous populations in mind.

Operating the CACFP in Head Start is a requirement, but do you know the differences between what’s a CACFP regulation and what is mandated by Head Start? Learn what the Head Start performance standards that govern child nutrition are and how they align with the CACFP to provide good nutrition to children. Gain an understanding of the requirements and hear about the latest updates in Head Start performance standards for child nutrition. 

Develop meal planning techniques that can be used to serve healthy and appealing meals and snacks that meet CACFP and preschool meal pattern requirements. Learn how to accommodate food allergies, incorporate multi-cultural recipes and locally-sourced foods, develop strategies for creating custom menus, and go home with menus you can use immediately or as inspiration. 

Join us for a 101-level overview of the generally accepted source documentation to support allowable costs for CACFP operations. Training will include group activities, discussion on proposed program costs that are often questioned, and tools to assist with avoiding common budget submission mistakes.

Medical statements have an important role within the CACFP. Do you know when they are required? Are you confident in your menu planning when you have one on file? Gain a deeper understanding of how medical statements support accommodating special diets, including food allergies and milk substitutions, ensuring that all participants receive appropriate and nutritious meals. Learn how to create an inclusive and supportive meal environment for those in your care.