2026 Management

Sometimes it’s not the food; it’s the energy. From overwhelmed staff to disengaged parents, many programs are struggling to bounce back from poor morale, mistrust and messy rollouts. Uncover where your program left a bad taste and how to refresh the flavor of trust, teamwork and true engagement by using the TIC-TAC method. 

In challenging times, staffing programs can be tough due to limited funding or lack of awareness of available resources. Programs like AmeriCorps can help bridge gaps by providing dedicated members who expand capacity and support the mission. Discover practical strategies to strengthen and sustain your program with these valuable resources.

Saying “no” isn’t selfish, it’s strategic. Strengthen boundary-setting, reduce burnout and reconnect with purpose. Examine real-world CACFP scenarios, reflect on personal values and apply practical tools to say “no” with confidence and clarity, making space to say “yes” to what matters most.

Teamwork is the heart of every strong CACFP operation. Build stronger, more connected teams with practical strategies for daily communication, morale-boosting and shared purpose. No matter what your role is, gain actionable yet simple ideas to create a more positive and productive team culture. Let’s discover the true “power of we” and how it can transform your program’s day-to-day operations.

What if the secret to success in CACFP isn’t just policies or procedures, but presence? Learn how to help your team, from kitchen staff to directors, lead with emotional clarity, compassion and intention. Discover how to create safer, stronger spaces for yourself, your team and the children you serve without breakdown or burnout. Because your presence isn’t just part of the job, it is the work.

Time and money are always in short supply, but smart, free technology can provide efficiency that gets both back and supports staff. Learn how free tools can streamline workflows, reduce paperwork, improve provider engagement and make your operations more efficient. Leave with tools and solutions to save time, cut costs and reduce stress, all for the very low price of free!

Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s the gradual depletion of physical, emotional and mental energy caused by prolonged stress and overcommitment. Left unchecked, it can lead to decreased productivity, strained relationships and health issues. Learn to recognize early signs, root causes and explore practical self-care strategies that support long-term well-being.

Resilience: The ability to bounce back. It’s what enables students to come out of challenging experiences with a positive attitude about themselves and their future. After 18 years in foster care and watching his daughter battle brain cancer, hear how Dee turned those unexpected events into incredible life lessons. Prepare to be inspired to embrace your own capacity for resilience and recognize the strength that lies within you.

Struggling to be heard or to truly hear others? Through guided reflection and practical exercises, explore descriptive vs. evaluative language, emotional vocabulary, ego awareness and responsible “I” statements. Learn to identify triggers, check perceptions and cultivate gratitude to foster intentional, empathetic conversations that reduce reactivity and build mindful connections.

Our employees are our greatest assets, but they can become liabilities without strong leadership and structure. Absenteeism, poor performance and policy violations are challenges we can overcome by applying effective leadership skills. Learn how to maintain program success and develop leaders even when facing difficult personnel issues. Come sharpen your leadership skills in a fun, engaging atmosphere!