Posts Tagged ‘Early Care and Education’
Senate Partner Bill: Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act
The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act was introduced in the Senate by Senator Casey to permanently:
• Increase reimbursement rates by 10 cent for each meal and snack
• Eliminate the tiering of family day care homes
• Allow family day care home providers to claim their own children’s meals for reimbursement
• Shift the calculation of family child care homes’ reimbursement from “food at home” to “food away from home” to align with centers
Fundamentals of Measuring: Weight and VolumeÂ
Which weighs more: a pound of lettuce or a pound of carrots? It’s a trick question! They weigh the same. However, if you think about how much space each would take up, a pound of lettuce would fill many more cups than a pound of carrots. Measuring can be confusing, so ICN’s November Mealtime Memo explains the difference between weight and volume and describe tools to measure both most accurately.
Read MoreEmotional Well-Being
Through a slew of new Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC) bilingual , research-based resources and engaging content, trusted adults can help children develop a foundation of essential skills they need to understand and manage their feelings. With a focus on the mind-body connection, SSIC’s latest resources support emotional awareness and understanding, and demonstrate techniques to promote healthy minds and bodies.
Read MoreOff-Site Monitoring Waiver: Oregon Case Study
USDA has the authority to waive on-site monitoring requirements for the CACFP. State Agencies can submit a 12(l) waiver application to USDA in order to allow for off-site monitoring flexibilities in their state. Oregon was the first state to submit an application and the first state to be approved! Read about their approved waiver.
Read MoreThe CACFP Strengthens the Child Care Infrastructure
The CACFP serves millions of children and adults in care and supports thousands of child and adult care providers nationwide. The support from the CACFP helps struggling providers to keep costs low and increase the competitiveness of their small businesses.
Read MoreEarly Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023Â
On October 26, 2023 the Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act was re-introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Marc Molinaro (R-NY). This legislation would allow providers who are open for more than 8 hours to be reimbursed for an additional meal.
Read MorePreventing Peanut AllergiesÂ
Did you know that peanuts are one of the nine major food allergens listed by the US Food and Drug Administration. The good news is most babies are not at risk of developing a peanut allergy. Those that are at high-risk of developing an allergy can reduce the risk by up to 86 percent by being introduced to peanut containing-foods early.
Read MoreModernizing the CACFP to Expand Access with Off-Site Monitoring
To ensure the integrity of the CACFP, participating programs must be monitored. Historically, monitoring visits have been conducted on-site, with monitors traveling to each child care program to observe meal service and review records. This process results in increased time and costs for monitoring organizations. Learn how off-site monitoring could benefit and modernize the CACFP.
Read MoreStaff and Workplace Wellness
In a month known for monsters and candy, the best trick is treating your employees to better health and wellness. Employee wellness opportunities can help staff feel better, live healthier, and be more present for the children in your program. Healthy adults model healthy living for children
Read MoreBest Practices for Determining Proximity of Sites in the SFSPÂ
USDA’s memorandum, SFSP 15-2023, provides best practices for preventing approval of multiple sites serving the same meals at the same time to the same children.
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