Sponsor Spotlight: Doris Acevedo and Terri Alexander with 4C For Children
Sponsors of Family Child Care Homes
October 5, 2026
For more than five decades, 4C For Children has been a cornerstone of support for child care providers and families across southeastern Wisconsin. As the largest Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency in the state, the organization serves providers throughout six counties and supports roughly half of Wisconsin’s child care providers through a wide range of services. Among those services is the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), through which 4C For Children currently sponsors 311 family child care homes that collectively serve nearly 4,000 children and provide more than 853,000 meals each year.
Terri Alexander leads the organization as its Executive Director. She joined 4C For Children in 1998 and worked across multiple departments before becoming Executive Director a decade ago. Along the way, she spent several years overseeing CACFP operations and gained a deep appreciation for how the program supports both providers and families.
Doris Acevedo joined 4C For Children 20 years ago and immediately felt a sense of belonging. What started as an entry-level position grew into a career dedicated to supporting providers and children. After serving in several CACFP-related roles, she became CACFP Program Manager 16 years ago and has been building relationships with providers ever since.
Together, Terri and Doris lead a team committed to helping providers navigate the challenges of operating a child care business while ensuring children receive nutritious meals and snacks every day. Doris oversees the CACFP staff and focuses much of her energy on helping providers succeed. Whether assisting with menu planning, troubleshooting software challenges, monitoring compliance, or connecting providers with nutrition education opportunities, the team prioritizes hands-on support.
That commitment to service is reflected in the makeup of the team itself. The majority of CACFP staff are former child care providers who have participated in the food program themselves. The team also includes bilingual staff members who help meet providers where they are and serve as trusted messengers.
“Providers feel confident working with individuals who have been through it themselves. They are able to empathize with their situation and understand the realities of operating a family child care program.”
The organization’s approach is to meet providers where they are and ensure they never feel alone. Staff regularly review error reports, proactively contact providers who need assistance, and offer one-on-one support. Rather than focusing solely on compliance, the team emphasizes partnership.
“We’re always available to support them and guide them to be successful. We care about their success because it directly impacts the children and families they serve.”
That provider-centered mindset has helped 4C For Children maintain strong participation and engagement. The team continuously looks for new ways to encourage providers to join and remain on CACFP, including mini-workshops, additional technical assistance visits, and opportunities to speak with prospective child care providers during regulation orientations. These efforts help providers understand not only how the program works, but why it matters.
Over the years, Doris has become known for celebrating and advocating for providers. She highlights milestones in newsletters, recognizes long-term participation, and has worked with state leaders to create greater recognition for providers reaching 20 years of participation in CACFP. Her appreciation for providers is genuine and deeply personal.
“All 311, I love every single one of our providers. I am amazed by the incredible work and passion they have for caring for children.”
Beyond helping providers offset rising food costs, CACFP ensures children have consistent access to nutritious meals and snacks during critical years of growth and development. Doris and Terri have seen how healthy eating habits established in child care settings can influence families and support children’s long-term success.
For Doris, it’s the providers and children who motivate her every day. She hopes to bring even more providers into the program and continue expanding training opportunities that support healthy childhood development. For Terri, motivation also comes from seeing the broader community impact.
“Just knowing that the work we do has a direct impact on people’s lives. We are supporting providers, but more so our entire community.”
Looking ahead, 4C For Children is exploring opportunities to expand its CACFP reach even further. The organization is pursuing additional training initiatives, actively recruiting new providers, and discussing the possibility of sponsoring unaffiliated sites through a future pilot program. While those plans continue to develop, 4C For Children remains focused on building relationships, strengthening communities, and creating healthier futures for children.
In Southeastern Wisconsin, Terri has been with 4C for Children since 1998 and Doris has been with them since 2006.