ReportWire

Tag: adultcare

  • Educating Children: Doing What Comes Naturally

    Educating Children: Doing What Comes Naturally

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    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Janet Wade of Knoxville, TN, featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release
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    updated: Jun 1, 2017


    Austin, TX, June 1, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     Many young children play school and pretend to be a teacher. Janet Wade knew from her early years, she not only wanted to play school, but be an actual teacher when she grew up. She has now been in education for almost 30 years, first as a paraprofessional in the local school district and then moving on to owning her own home child care. 

    At Janet’s child care, the children prepare for Kindergarten through themed teaching. She tries to incorporate many lessons around one centralized theme, including nutrition. For example, on St. Patrick’s Day, the children participate in a green taste test. Any kind of green fruit or vegetable that you can imagine is on the menu. Many times, the testers might say they don’t like something, but all have to participate in “1-2-3 – BITE!” with everyone taking at least a small bite on the count. 

    “This just comes naturally to me. I love it and I enjoy working hard, encouraging the children to be creative and to continually create new ideas and opportunities so that learning is fun.”

    Janet Wade, Child Care Provider

    Within the themed units, children are given the opportunity for physical activity. Some days, they pretend to be snowflakes falling gently to the ground or dancing through the air. Other days, the children are the wind, hissing like a snake or fluttering like a butterfly. 

    In addition to learning opportunities through themed units, the children experience the community around them. During the Christmas season, children make cards for older patrons at Janet’s church, and every year they visit St. Jude’s Hospital. They also work together as a child care community to plant a garden each spring and study good citizenship traits such as kindness, sharing and respectfulness daily. Any parent will know that not only is their child going to be well-cared for, but they also have rewarding learning experiences to take with them to the next stage in life.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program, they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, caregivers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Creating a Love of Learning Starts at an Early Age

    Creating a Love of Learning Starts at an Early Age

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    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Providers Cindy Whitaker and Mickey Geisler of Cortez, CO featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association.

    Press Release
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    updated: May 23, 2017


    Austin, TX, May 23, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     When one door closes another one opens. Cindy and Mickey took that expression to heart when they opened their own child care center after the large center where they were co-workers decided to close their doors. Twenty-three years later, they are still working together as co-teachers, co-owners of ‘Lil Rascals Child Care. At ‘Lil Rascals they strive to create a love of learning the children can take wherever they go.

    In the search for the right fit for their group of students, Mickey and Cindy have discovered a nutritional program through the state of Colorado that works alongside CACFP to be beneficial. With the Food Friend Program, they encourage every child to try a new food and vegetable each week. Even Cindy has tried new foods she is not accustomed to! They further their nutrition education by planting a garden and going to a nearby apple orchard.

    “Every group of kids is different. We have to find what works for them and us as teachers to make everyone comfortable and able to learn.”

    Mickey Geisler, Home Child Care Provider

    Cindy and Mickey also use the Mighty Moves program for teaching physical education and understanding the important role it plays in a healthy lifestyle. The kids are encouraged to be outside as much as possible. This ranges from playing on a sledding hill in the winter to swimming in the summer. The kids have a climbing area, a place to ride bikes and play sports like soccer and basketball.

    At Lil Rascals,  it is important the children have a healthy, happy day. Cindy and Mickey use puppets to teach social emotional skills such as how to deal with frustrations and finding a solution for problems. With expectations increasing every year in school, children need to be well-rounded and prepared beyond academics. With all of the learning taking place each day, Cindy and Mickey feel accomplished and at the same time honored that parents entrust the children to their care.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, caregivers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Pre-Schoolers Learn About Culture With Their Home Child Care Provider

    Pre-Schoolers Learn About Culture With Their Home Child Care Provider

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    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Darlene Abraham of Baltimore, MD featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association.

    Press Release
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    updated: May 15, 2017


    Austin, TX, May 15, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    ​​​Few people can say that they truly love what they do each day and could not imagine doing anything else. Darlene Abraham is fortunate to be one of these lucky few. Since 2001, she has operated her own home child care and started in the profession simply because she loves children and wanted to be around them. Enjoying the smallest of life’s milestones and striving to be a positive influence on the children in her care keeps her going day to day.

    Part of being a positive influence is helping the children experience and try new ideas. Darlene takes this to heart when introducing the children to different cultures. For one month out of the year, they “travel” around the world to places like Poland, France, Spain and Australia. Through their travels, they learn about animals, music, games, and read various books about the culture. At each location, their passport is stamped and they’re ready to continue their journey. They extend their cultural studies by incorporating nutrition as well.

    “When introducing a new food, try not to go too far from what they know and like. Find something similar that will help to broaden their palate.”

    Darlene Abraham, Home Child Care Provider

    At family style meals, Darlene encourages the children to pick out something they have not eaten before. When making a healthy pizza, the children must choose two new veggies to try and a new variety of cheese. Salads go beyond spinach and often include arugula or spring mix. Darlene even shops at different cultural grocery stores to try variations on products the children are already familiar with.

    Learning about cultures starts within the community. The children walk around their neighborhood meeting neighbors and investigating their surroundings. Community events are emphasized and encouraged. By exposing the children to community and cultures, Darlene hopes the children learn about the world around them and develop skills to take with them as they grow.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Home Child Care Provider Creates One Big Happy Family

    Home Child Care Provider Creates One Big Happy Family

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    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Providers Michael and Faith Alexander of Baltimore, MD, featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release
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    updated: May 11, 2017


    Austin, TX, May 11, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     While going to work in the medical field, Faith Alexander dropped her children off at a home child care. Almost every day, she would play with all the children, and soon came to realize she was in the wrong profession. Twenty-eight years ago, she created her own home child care center. Today, she and her husband, Michael, work together to create a family atmosphere and “one big happy family.” 

    Faith and Michael create this atmosphere through open communication and by welcoming parents into any and all activities. The intent is to create a partnership where everyone works together with children as the focus. A calendar is given at a parent orientation meeting that contains a majority of activities and a timeline for lessons. Faith makes sure to keep everyone up-to-date with reminders and enjoys sending out photos of the children throughout the day. 

    “We bring everyone into this home out of love. We not only nurture the children, but also try to nurture the parents and the family. If we do that, we help to create a well-rounded child.”

    Faith Alexander, Home Child Care Provider

    Poppy and Grandma, as they are known to the kids, encourage everything to be a learning experience. Nature walks to the park, trips to the zoo and story time all include counting, phonics, and shapes that the kids are constantly working on. They even try to incorporate each of the children’s interests into what they do, share those with the parents, and then are excited about seeing where it takes them.

    Faith and Michael know they have succeeded in creating a loving atmosphere when the children they have cared for return to visit. As professionals and adults, they are excited to share accomplishments, successes, and even their own children. Providing a family environment for children truly gives Michael and Faith a purpose for each day and a feeling that their lives are blessed because of the opportunity.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program, they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Positive Images of Love: CACFP Provider Showcase

    Positive Images of Love: CACFP Provider Showcase

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    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Belinda Mercer of Baltimore, MD featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release
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    updated: Apr 13, 2017


    Austin, TX, April 13, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    Belinda Mercer took an interesting path that led her to home child care. After 25 years in training adults in the banking industry, she decided she wanted to ‘train’ preschool children. Her desire was to set up a home child care where children are loved and respected so Belinda opened Postive Images of Love. This is not just a name, but also a philosphy. Belinda is teaching the children how to love, care and be respectful of the people around them, in addition to learning basic preschool skills.

    In every aspect of her home child care, Belinda tries to maintain that positive image, including food and nutrition. She believes that a healthy diet can work “miracles” in children—changing them not only physically, but mentally and academically as well. The children read books, see videos, and review nutrition daily. Her strategy is simple as she tries to relate food to items or ideas that kids are already familiar with such as a color or shape they are studying. When learning about foods, she always tries to get them to take it one step further by asking what foods they could make with a specific fruit or vegetable. CACFP is an indicator of quality child care.

    “If you give up on getting the children to taste new food, they will too. I don’t give up.”

    Belinda Mercer, Home Child Care Provider

    At times, successes in asking children to taste new things can be few. Children are very good at telling you what they do not like, but Belinda does not give up. She asks that everyone at least take a bite and cooks the food in various ways to give the children different experiences. With older children as role models, she encourages younger children to taste new dishes with a positive conversation about the food. 

    Realizing the cost of food, Belinda joined the food program to achieve her goal of feeding the children healthy meals. She truly feels that without the food program she would not be able to provide the children with nutritious meals. Belinda considers it a privilege to be a part of CACFP which helps her better the lives of the children in her care. 

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Continually Working for Quality Child Care: CACFP Showcase

    Continually Working for Quality Child Care: CACFP Showcase

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    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Susan Holbrook of Croswell, MI featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release
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    updated: Apr 5, 2017


    Austin, TX, April 5, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    Susan Holbrook always wanted to be a teacher and truly has found the best of two worlds. As a home childcare provider, she was able to not only teach, but also stay home with her own children. Twenty-seven years later, she continues to educate preschoolers and care for kids afterschool.

    The goal at Susan’s home is to produce happy, healthy, and kind children. Nutrition, of course, is a focus for healthy children. Incorporating the literature from her CACFP sponsor, Susan teaches the children about healthy eating choices and then sends home different information to build those habits. In the warmer months, the children tend to a home garden. Additionally, they take care of the chickens and eggs that are produced. During mealtimes, everyone works together to wash produce, clean up messes and even help plan upcoming menus. 

    “Some days can be difficult of course, but the next day the children come in with their sweet little faces and we start a new day of fun together.”

    Susan Holbrook, Child Care Provider

    Field trips to the library during the summer to participate in the library reading program is definitely a component for happy children. They spend many hours per week outdoors in the play yard and Susan has even incorporated a sunken boat into the ground. The children love to fish and be pirates! There is always fun to be had whether exercising, learning or playing. 

    Not only is Susan dedicated to her children’s continuous improvement, but she strives to improve as well. Enrolling in Michigan’s Great Start to Quality Program, Susan has completed extra continuing education hours, written a cultural plan and her own continuous improvement plan. She has even been awarded a grant in which she supplied her home childcare with a dramatic play kitchen set and other manipulatives for the kids to enjoy.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Serving 4 Million Children Across the United States: Celebrating CACFP Week!

    Serving 4 Million Children Across the United States: Celebrating CACFP Week!

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    Press Release
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    updated: Mar 13, 2017


    Austin, TX, March 13, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    March 13-18 is National Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week. The CACFP is a partnership between parents, children, providers, and the CACFP sponsor emphasizing the important role that the CACFP plays in promoting lifelong healthy eating habits in children and also emphasizes the importance of the CACFP to promote physical activity in family child care homes and child care centers. The CACFP has been cited both in academic studies and in government reports for the contributions it makes to the well-being of children being cared for in our child care system.

    The primary goal of the CACFP is to serve nutritious meals to children attending child care homes and centers, especially those from lower economic circumstances. Proper nutrition is vital to the physical, intellectual and emotional development of young children. Secondary goals of the CACFP are: the establishment of lifelong, positive eating habits, reduction of future health care and education costs due to lack of proper early development, and training and support of local child care personnel. Benefits extend to not only the children, but also parents, providers and the communities in which child care home and centers are based. Currently there are 115,000 family child care providers working with 800 sponsors using CACFP. In 2015, CACFP provided 1.9 Billion snacks to 4 million children and 125, 000 persons in Adult Care and 62,000 child care centers.

    During CACFP Week we celebrate the thousands of child care providers, center and afterschool staff, sponsors, state agency and USDA staff who work to secure food access for every child.

    National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Participants of CACFP get the most up to date information from government organizations such as the USDA and Let’s Move!, regarding exercise and nutrition. Participation means that not only are well-balanced meals and snacks served, but that other requirements such as safety regulations, child to staff ratios, and other health guidelines are being followed. To remain in the program, homes and centers are continually monitored and held to the highest standards of health and nutrition with visits from their CACFP sponsors.

    Research proves that good nutrition in young children not only contributes to their physical growth, but to their intellectual and emotional development as well. Children who participate in the CACFP have the opportunity to develop positive eating habits that will lead to a lifetime of good eating habits and good health. CACFP is truly an indicator of quality child care and a program that works sincerely to create a healthy future for America.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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