Posts Tagged ‘Early Care and Education’
The 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.
Read MoreSFSP Question and Answer – 2023 RevisedÂ
USDA updated their previous Summer Food Service Program Question and Answer guidance (SFSP 05-2017) in September of 2023.
Read MoreChild Care Nutrition Enhancement Act
Today, September 19, the Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Greg Landsman and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici 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
Prepare for Emergencies
Our partners at Sesame Street in Communities have resources to help children and families cope with disasters and prepare for the unexpected. Their Emergencies topic page has videos, printable activities, and articles to support families after experiencing a natural disaster.
Read MoreChild Care Supports Academic Achievement and Physical Health
A study published in March of 2023, examines the impact of child care on the dietary quality of young children, as well as portrays the need for a more inclusive definition of ‘child care.’ Access to high-quality care supports the academic and social development of your children and is important for all families to reduce socioeconomic disparities.
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