Sponsor Spotlight: Kelly Cahill with Day Care Connection

Although she knew nothing about the CACFP when she joined Day Care Connection, as she learned more about the program, her passion for nutrition grew. Over the years, she worked in nearly every position within the organization before becoming Executive Director four years ago.

 

"I still love to get out in the field and connect with the providers. I of course have a very small amount that I am able to visit, so I try to mix up who I visit, just so I am seeing more of our folks.”

 

According to Kelly, strong relationships are the key to helping providers thrive in CACFP. Day Care Connections prides itself on its commitment to building connections with its providers and helping them feel confident in their operation of the CACFP.

 

"I really think that most of it is building good connections and making sure providers know we are on their team and that we're supporting them in their business. Those connections where they know they can count on you. Especially when it comes to serving meals because it can be daunting. They are receiving government funds and that does come with certain requirements. We are always there to help them understand and show them that it doesn’t have to be hard."

 

That philosophy extends throughout Day Care Connection's work. Many staff members have experience as family child care providers themselves, allowing them to understand the realities providers face every day. Whether helping a provider navigate meal pattern requirements, complete claims, or address nutritional concerns, the team focuses on making participation as simple and accessible as possible.

Kelly believes Sponsors play a critical role not only in supporting providers, but also in bringing together partners, state agencies and community resources to serve providers more effectively. She encourages other Sponsors to provide clear expectations, useful tools and a welcoming environment where providers feel comfortable asking questions and seeking assistance. The collaborative spirit among Kansas sponsors has also helped strengthen the state's CACFP network, with organizations regularly working together on trainings, grants and resource-sharing initiatives.

For the providers Day Care Connection serves, the CACFP offers far more than reimbursement. Kelly views program participation as a sign of quality care that families recognize and value. The training, education and resources available through the CACFP help providers build stronger businesses while ensuring children receive healthy meals and snacks.

As nutrition needs become increasingly complex, providers often find themselves supporting families in new ways. In many cases, providers become trusted sources of information for parents seeking guidance about their children's nutritional needs. Kelly and her team frequently help providers navigate food allergies, food sensitivities and special dietary needs.

 

“A lot of times parents are going to their providers for help on food allergies or food sensitivities. The providers become a really good resource for parents, and we feel like it’s really important to help arm them with information. Nutrition is one of the most important things in early childhood, and these providers are making such an impact in those early years, providing nourishing meals and teaching children and parents about nutrition.”

 

That commitment to innovation and education recently led Day Care Connection to participate in a Farm to Plate grant funded through their state agency. Kelly collaborated with two other sponsors to develop whole-grain baking training for providers. Day Care Connections was able to deliver the training to 125 providers and provided participants with new baking equipment to use in their child care programs. The project showcased the power of partnership while giving providers practical tools to support healthy eating.

Another exciting development in Kansas is the expansion of CACFP participation opportunities for Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers. Kelly is enthusiastic about the potential impact of bringing these caregivers into the program, particularly those who may receive little or no compensation for the care they provide. Sponsors, state agency staff and community partners across Kansas are working together to identify eligible caregivers and make participation more accessible.

After three decades in CACFP, what motivates Kelly is the opportunity to continue to enhance support for providers and help them succeed in getting nutritious food to children in their care.