Posts Tagged ‘Early Care and Education’
Cracking open child care budgets at Gov. Stein’s early childhood task force
North Carolina Governor’s Task Force on Child Care and Early Education analyze child care budgets to evaluate how to improve pay for early childhood educators.
Read MorePresident’s Budget: Proposed Cuts to Child Nutrition Grants and Training
The White House released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes cuts to discretionary spending for Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs). While the budget maintains full funding for Child Nutrition Programs, like the CACFP and SFSP, the cuts to discretionary spending include the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant and the Institute for Child Nutrition (ICN), a National Ally of NCA.
Read MoreCACFP: Supporting Working Families and Investing in Our Future
The CACFP has many benefits – it supports child care providers and ensures that children and adults in care receive nutritious meals. The CACFP is also critical in supporting working families and supporting the development of young children into successful adults.
Read MoreCooking with Herbs and Spices
Incorporating herbs and spices into recipes enhances flavor, aroma, and color while reducing the need for excess salt, sugar, and fat. Our partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition define herbs and spices, reviews the health benefits of using fresh or dried herbs and spices, and provides ideas for incorporating them into recipes.
Read MoreJune Virtual Events
Get a rundown on all things happening in June at NCA. Our Meal Pattern Boot camp is happening this month. Don’t miss out!
Read MoreEnhancing Child Nutrition Program Meal Standards
The USDA released a memorandum stating that they support and encourage states and school districts to experiment with meals to provide interesting, healthy, and diverse meals.
Read MoreSpark Curiosity
Curiosity is the key to learning. When you encourage children to ask lots of questions, you’re helping them build their natural curiosity and think like scientists. Our partners at Sesame Street in Communities have great resources to help you encourage curiosity with those in your care.
Read MoreHealthy Habits: Brain Builders
Parents and caregivers do a lot to help child stay healthy! At mealtime, they choose foods to help them grow strong. At bedtime, they teach them how baths keep us clean. And don’t forget every time they brush their teeth, wash their hands, or move their body.
Did you know these healthy habits help their brain grow flexible and strong, too? The skills they learn from the time you spend together don’t wash down the drain. They last a lifetime!
The Power of the Food Program: Head Start
Acelero Learning Monmouth Middlesex (Acelero) operates eight Head Start centers that serve meals to over 800 children through the CACFP. Food Service Coordinator, Stephanie Manchester, and her team work to ensure that they are providing nutritious meals for all of the children across their eight sites.
Read MoreComing This Summer! CACFP Meal Pattern Boot Camp
Serving reimbursable meals begins with a solid understanding of the CACFP meal pattern. Learn more with our Meal Pattern Boot Camp!
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