Virtual Sessions and Hybrid Virtual/Onsite Sessions

 

Monday, April 22

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm | CACFP Certification Program Overview (On Demand Only)

Interested in learning more about how to earn the CACFP Management Professional or the CACFP Child Nutrition Professional designation? Join NCA board members to hear why the program was started, what the qualifications are and next steps to getting the certification complete.  

Presented by: Jennifer Basey, MEd, National CACFP Sponsors Association

 

3:45 pm - 4:15 pm | Navigating the Virtual Sessions

Learn more about what to expect, how to navigate the schedule and where you need to be to get the most out of the 2024 National Child Nutrition Conference virtual option.

Presented by: Brittany Uribe, National CACFP Sponsors Association

 

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Zoom Regional Networking Meeting

Learn more about what to expect, how to navigate the schedule and where you need to be to get the most out of the 2024 National Child Nutrition Conference virtual option.

Moderated by: Brittany Uribe, National CACFP Sponsors Association

 

Tuesday, April 23

7:15 am – 7:45 am | CACFP Creditable Tools and Resources 

Learn about the nutrition education resources which are available free-of-charge, including the guides for Identifying Whole Grain-Rich, determining sugar content in cereals and yogurt, and which milk to serve in the CACFP. ~ CEU Specialty 3

1. Learn where to find free nutrition education resources.  
2. Discover different types of resources.  
3. Learn how to apply nutrition education resources.  

Presented by: Lisa Mack, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

8:00 am - 9:00 am | SFSP Overview

Don't know what SFSP even means? Are you brand new to child nutrition food programs? Do you run one program and are thinking about sponsoring another? Learn how this food program provides healthy food access for children in child care, afterschool, out-of-school time and during summer. ~ CEU Specialty 8

1. Understand the basics of the SFSP.
2. Identify the need for summer meals.
3. Learn the types of sites and how areas of eligibility are determined.

Presented by: Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, National CACFP Sponsors Association

 

9:15 am - 10:15 am | CACFP Overview

You’re new-ish to the food program and concepts in the CACFP may not be as foreign to you, but you’d love to really explore the important areas in CACFP. Join us as we review the meal patterns, identify basic program administration requirements, and get a refresher on how reimbursement works in the CACFP. ~ CEU Specialty 2

1. Learn the basic requirements in administrative review.
2. Understand the how CACFP reimbursement works.
3. Discuss the CACFP meal patterns.

Presented by: Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, National CACFP Sponsors Association

 

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | General Session

What you do matters! When we all come together in one room with one focus, you can be sure you’ll leave knowing that your role is as important as any other in ensuring that all children will have access to healthy foods. This session is strategically planned with speakers who will motivate us and remind us why we work to support our nation’s most vulnerable populations. 

Presented by: Lisa Mack, National CACFP Sponsors Association

 

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm | USDA CACFP Policy Update

Hear from USDA Food and Nutrition Service staff as they present an overview of new and revised policy guidance for the Child and Adult Care Food Program and share a state-of-the-state update of the CACFP. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs including the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which is crucial to ensuring children have access to nutritious foods and where healthy eating becomes a habit. ~ CEU Specialty 7

Presented by: 

Kevin Maskornick, MPP; USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Alice McKenney, MS; USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Megan Geiger, RDN, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

 

Wednesday, April 24

8:00 am - 9:00 am | Childhood Obesity Prevention & Early Nutrition Education 

Receiving nutritious meals early in life, as well as being physically active, is critical to the establishment of positive lifelong habits. Discover how teaching children about healthy eating from a young age can positively impact their cognitive, emotional, and physical development to help prevent childhood obesity. ~ CEU Specialty 1, Beginner

1. Understand the impact of early nutrition education. 
2. Discover a comprehensive approach to childhood obesity prevention.  
3. Learn to create a well-rounded strategy that addresses various aspects of a child's life to promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Presented by: Salome Pemberton, MPH, RDN, NY Enrichment Group 

 

9:15 am - 10:15 am | Procurement Standards for Sponsors & Centers

All federal Child Nutrition Programs, including CACFP, must follow federal “procurement” (or purchasing) requirements. Learn the purpose of these regulations and how to implement them as part of your CACFP food buying practices. The USDA Farm to School Team will also focus on how to properly buy local or non-local foods in compliance with federal requirements. ~ CEU Specialty 5, Beginner

1. Understand the procurement process and requirements.
2. Identify the five methods allowed to procure goods and services.
3. Review CFR 200 regulations.

Presented by: 

Melissa Daigle Katz, MPH, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Lissa Ong, MPH, RDN, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

 

10:30 am - 11:00 am | NCA Annual Meeting (By Invitation Only)

Members of the National CACFP Sponsors Association are invited to attend our annual meeting to learn about where the organization is today, hear from candidates for the NCA Board of Directors and find out what we have planned for the future. Our mission is to provide you with education resources, training opportunities, and guidance on federal programs policies.

Presented by: Lisa Mack, National CACFP Sponsors Association

 

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm | Taking a Bilateral Approach to Self-Care 

It's easy for providers to put the needs of the children they care for ahead of their own well-being. However, it is essential for them to prioritize their own mental and physical health in order to provide the best care for those they serve. Learn how to incorporate self-care into your daily routine to improve overall self-wellness. ~ CEU Specialty 6

1. Understand the importance of mental and physical health. 
2. Learn coping mechanisms to combat workplace stress. 
3. Get tips to take care of your mental and physical well-being. 

Presented by: Laura Sheffield, MS, RDN, LD, Community Action Council-Lexington, KY 

 

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm | A Fresh Perspective: Embracing New Foods 

CACFP providers have the ultimate opportunity to introduce unique and healthy foods to children in their care. Learn how adults can create environments where children are receptive to trying new fruits and vegetables. Uncover a fresh perspective to make mealtimes even healthier for children. ~ CEU Specialty 2, Intermediate

1. Identify strategies to expand adults mindsets about children's food preferences. 
2. Discover engaging activities to experiment with new foods.  
3. Explore resource documents for creative and compliant menu ideas. 

Presented by:

Alexandria Dawson, MPA, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Charity Blair, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Sharon Slappy, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

 

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Serious Deficiency Process

Are you in a quandary about the SD process? Get an overview of the serious deficiency process, hear about the most common errors in responding to serious deficiencies, and better understand the elements of the appeals process and role of the hearing official. ~ CEU Specialty 4, Beginner

1. Define serious deficiencies in the CACFP.
2. Identify steps of the serious deficiency process.
3. Define key terms and timelines in the SD process.

Presented by:

Suzanne Diggs, USDA Food and Nutrition Service 

 

Thursday, April 25

8:00 am - 9:00 am | Compliance with Confidence: Sponsor Monitoring and Oversight

Efficient program monitoring and oversight are essential in the CACFP and for ensuring the success of your organization. Discover best practices and opportunities of how to conduct reviews that not only meet program requirements, but also support and lift up the child care provider. Expand your understanding of effective oversight and ensure program compliance with confidence. ~ CEU Specialty 2, Beginner

1. Identify CACFP monitoring requirements. ​
2. Explore why oversight matters and how it impacts your program.​
3. Discover resources to assist program operators in planning menus that meet the preschool meal pattern.

Presented by: Kate Abernathy, MS, RD, LD, CMP, CCNP, Providers Choice 

 

9:15 am - 10:15 am | Artificial Intelligence for Child Nutrition

Have you heard about Artificial Intelligence, but are unsure where to begin or how it could be beneficial to your program? Discover the basics of large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, and how you can use them in your current role within child nutrition settings. ~ CEU Specialty 6, Beginner

1. Learn why LLMs are game-changing technologies for child nutrition.
2. Understand the need to alter assignment prompts.
3. Identify the limitations and weaknesses of LLMs.

Presented by: Kevin Yee, PhD; University of Central Florida

 

10:30 am - 11:30 am | Beyond Beginners: Next Level Menu Planning 

Navigating the complexities of developing a CACFP menu can often be overwhelming and confusing. What crucial information should you include on the menu to be in compliance? Do you include ounce equivalency, serving size, or both!? Moreover, are there specific documents you should maintain while planning your menu? Learn how to create menus stress-free while meeting CACFP requirements. ~ CEU Specialty 2, Intermediate

1. Learn the differences in retail and foodservice products. 
2. Evaluate and determine which CACFP foods require documentation. 
3. Differentiate front-of-house and back-of-house CACFP menus. 

Presented by: Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LDN, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm | Growing Healthy Foundations: Farm to ECE Made Easy 

Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) is not limited to traditional farming practices but includes everyday tasks that contribute to children's learning and development. Explore how simple actions, like buying local produce and promoting healthy eating, align with learning standards for children aged 0-5. Discover how you may already be integrating Farm to ECE into your daily routine. ~ CEU Specialty 1, Beginner

1. Identify the purpose of Farm to ECE.
2. Learn how everyday activities align with learning standards.
3. Get practical resources to implement Farm to ECE.

Presented by: Meagan K. Shedd, PhD; Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems

 

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm | Navigating Special Diets 

Allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities. What is the difference between the three? Learn how to navigate proper documentation, communication, and compliance to foster a safe environment for children with special dietary needs and requests. ~ CEU Specialty 1, Beginner

1. Identify the differences between allergies, intolerances, and sensitives. 
2. Learn what documentation is required for CACFP in order to make a substitution.  
3. Get tips for communicating with families and medical providers. 

Presented by: Jami Rokala, MS, RDN, LD, CLC, CMP, CCNP, Headwaters Nutrition Counseling, LLC 

 

3:45 pm - 4:45 pm | USDA SFSP Policy Update

Hear from USDA Food and Nutrition Service staff as they present an overview of new and revised policy guidance for the Summer Food Service Program and share a state-of-the-state update of the SFSP. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs including the Summer Food Service Program, which is crucial to ensuring year-round access to foods for children. ~ CEU Specialty 8

Presented by: 

Kevin Maskornick, MPP; USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Megan Geiger, RDN, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

 

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm | USDA Town Hall

Join us at the USDA Town Hall and get the answers to your most commonly asked questions directly from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service team, based on those submitted in advance.

Presented by:

Kevin Maskornick, MPP; USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Alice McKenney, MS; USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Melissa Rothstein, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Megan Geiger, RDN, USDA Food and Nutrition Service