Specialty 1
Handling Food Allergens in the CACFP Infant Meal Pattern ($)
Food allergies can arise at any age, even in infancy! Learn the nine major food allergens, how to identify foods containing these allergens and questions you may need to ask to serve meals safely for the infant(s) in your care.
Read MoreFormulas & Breastfeeding Both Welcome ($)
Breastmilk and formula are both creditable in the CACFP infant meal pattern. Learn what formulas are reimbursable, how to store formula and breastmilk, and how to develop a breastfeeding friendly environment at your center or family child care home.
Read MoreDefining Developmentally Ready, Engaging Parents, and Understanding Cues ($)
Coordination and muscle control are key skills infants need to be ready to eat solid foods, but what are the signs and resources you need to help you know? Having parents part of the conversation on what their baby is eating at child care can help bridge the gap between healthy eating practices at home and at child care.
Read MoreCrafting Winter Memories: Activities & Recipes ($)
The winter months are fast approaching! Join us in embracing the chilly season as we explore a selection of winter fruits and vegetables, accompanied by comforting and inviting recipes. Learn some fun and engaging indoor activities to enjoy during the colder months so you can make enduring memories with those in your care.
Read MoreTiny Tummies, Big Adventures: Understanding Infant Development ($)
Early childhood is a critical phase in nurturing healthy relationships with food and fostering overall development. Explore the sequential journey infants embark upon, from mastering fundamental coordination of sucking, breathing, and swallowing to the gradual acquisition of key feeding skills such as chewing and tongue control. Use the “Stages of Infant Development and Feeding Skills” resource to gain insights into developmental milestones. Uncover the intricacies of each learning step and on the remarkable process of how infants evolve their feeding abilities.
Read MoreExploring Fall Foods: Recipes & More! ($)
The cool, crisp breeze means it’s time for the fall harvest! Learn about five fabulous fruits and vegetables that are ready to be purchased from your local farmer or grocery store. Get recipe ideas on how to incorporate these fall favorites into your menu and learn how to provide nutrition education related to them through engaging activities.
Read MoreA Change of Taste: Reducing Sodium in the CACFP ($)
Sodium plays an essential role in our body but consuming too much can cause us harm over time. In the CACFP, it is recommended to serve foods low in sodium. Learn about the the impacts of sodium and how to reduce sodium while still retaining flavor in the meals you serve.
Read MoreUnderstanding Meal Modifications in the CACFP ($)
Have you ever received a parent’s or doctor’s note describing a meal modification or substitution to serve a child in your care? Maybe you
have felt confused or overwhelmed on how to modify the menu to ensure foods are safe to serve to a participant with a disability. Learn about the requirements for having a medical statement to serve safe and reimbursable foods in the CACFP. Identify creditable and non-creditable milk substitutions in the CACFP and understand the documentation needed. Gain valuable knowledge on tailoring foods for special diets, including vegetarian, pureed, and gluten-free diets. Empower yourself with the information and guidance to confidently address meal modifications and provide suitable options for participants with specific dietary needs in the CACFP at your Head Start site.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the CACFP ($)
National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognized September 15th – October 15th, is a wonderful time to learn more about the rich history and diversity of the Hispanic and Latino communities. Come celebrate with us as we explore various cultural foods and introduce fun activities that you can bring back to those in your care.
Read MoreBuilding Healthy Bodies with the Foods We Serve ($)
In your career, you play a critical role to ensure that all children have access to healthy foods. Those foods are vital to providing the nutrients kids need as they grow, and into adulthood. Most of us know about macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) but do you know in which foods they can be found and how they work in the body? Learn what fruits, vegetables, grains, meats/meat alternates and fluid milk contribute so you can put nutrients together for optimal health when building a menu. Get examples and a visual handout showing what food components do for the body.
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