Education and Training Resources for CACFP Professionals

ICN’s research-based education and training resources are designed to support CACFP professionals in successfully implementing the program’s requirements.

CACFP MEAL PATTERN RESOURCES

Through USDA FNS guidance and collaboration, ICN developed the CACFP Meal Pattern Requirements training materials. This webpage features training materials and additional resources for implementing the updated meal pattern requirements.

Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements Training

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Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements Training

Title	Date added	Download
Comprehensive Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements Training Participant's Workbook	August 08, 2022	Download
Comprehensive Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements Training Instructor's Manual	August 08, 2022	Download
Comprehensive Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements Presentation	September 15, 2022	Download
Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements Training Assessments	April 30, 2019	Download

CACFP Meal Pattern Tip Cards

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CACFP Meal Pattern Tip Cards

Title	Date added	Download
CACFP Tip Card	December 16, 2020	Download

Optional Best Practices Training

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Optional Best Practices Training

Title	Date added	Date modified	Download
Optional Best Practices Assessments	April 04, 2018	July 10, 2018	Download
Optional Best Practices Instructor's Manual	April 04, 2018	July 10, 2018	Download
Optional Best Practices PPT Web Version	April 04, 2018	May 20, 2024	Download
Optional Best Practices Participants Workbook	April 04, 2018	July 10, 2018	Download

Infant Meal Pattern Requirements Training

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Infant Meal Pattern Requirements Training

Title	Date added	Download
Infant Meal Pattern Requirements Training Instructor's Manual	June 27, 2022	Download
Infant Meal Pattern Requirements Training Participant's Workbook	June 27, 2022	Download
Infant Meal Pattern Presentation	June 27, 2022	Download
Infant Meal Pattern Requirements Assessments	April 24, 2018	Download

Meal Pattern Posters

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CACFP Meal Pattern Posters and Infographics

Title	Date added	Download
4 Facts on Young Children's Eating Habits	July 31, 2020	Download
5 Essentials for Breastfeeding Spaces	July 31, 2020	Download
5 Factors in Serving Yogurt	July 31, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Prepare for Family Style Meal Service in Child Care	July 31, 2020	Download
6 Ways to Identify Whole Grain-Rich Foods	July 31, 2020	Download
8 Ways to Create Happy Mealtimes	July 31, 2020	Download
CAFCP Adult Meal Pattern Poster	October 31, 2024	Download
CACFP Infant Meal Pattern Poster	October 31, 2024	Download
CACFP Child Meal Pattern Poster	October 31, 2024	Download
Deep-Fat Frying-Healthier Alternatives	July 31, 2020	Download
Fluid Milk Basics	July 31, 2020	Download
Grain Requirements for Child Nutrition Programs	July 31, 2020	Download
Grains- Terms to Know	July 31, 2020	Download
How to Use the Standard of Identity Method	July 31, 2020	Download
Identifying Creditable Tofu Products	July 31, 2020	Download
Mealtime Conversations Do's and Don'ts	July 31, 2020	Download
Mealtime Schedules and Routines	July 31, 2020	Download
Selecting Beverages That Are Nutritionally Equivalent to Cows Milk	July 31, 2020	Download
Selecting Meat and Meat Alternates at Breakfast	July 31, 2020	Download
Top 5 Benefits of Family Style Meal Service	July 31, 2020	Download

Recipes for Healthy Kids - Child Care Centers

Recipes for Healthy Kids – The 30 winning recipes from the Recipes for Healthy Kids (R4HK) competition are credited to support the whole grain-rich, red/orange, dark green, and beans/peas (legumes) vegetable subgroups for the meal patterns as part of the Nutrition Standards in School Meal Programs. Find these recipes in the Team Nutrition Resource Library

Visit R4HK Child Care

Step-by-Step Recipe Standardization Guide for the CACFP

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Step-by-Step Recipe Standardization Guide for the CACFP

Title	Date added	Download
Step-by-Step Recipe Standardization Guide for the CACFP	May 30, 2024	Download

Designing an Emergency Preparedness Plan Templates for Child Care

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Designing an Emergency Preparedness Plan Templates for Child Care

Title	Date added	Download
Designing an Emergency Preparedness Plan Templates for Child Care	May 22, 2024	Download

Get the Recipe Standardization Guide

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ONLINE COURSES

Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements

ENROLL HERE

CACFP Optional Best Practices

ENROLL HERE

CACFP Infant Meal Pattern Requirements

CACFP Meal Pattern Requirements

ENROLL HERE

CARE Connection Planning Cycle Menus in Child Care

This course is designed to provide the end user with key practices for planning cycle menus for child care settings.

ENROLL HERE

CARE Connection Planning Snacks as an Education Activity

This course consists of three lessons that are designed to help you, the child care professional, make nutrition education a part of snack time.

ENROLL HERE

CARE Connection Serving Nutritious Foods in Child Care

This course features key information for serving nutritious foods while in child care settings.

ENROLL HERE

CARE Connection Step-by-Step Menu Planning

The Step-by-Step Menu Planning for Child Care online course is based on the Grab and Go Lesson

ENROLL HERE

Family Child Care FUNdamentals

The Family Child Care FUNdamentals online course is based on the face-to-face training, Family Child Care FUNdamentals.

ENROLL HERE

Food Safety in Child Care

Food Safety in Child Care, formerly known as Serving Safe Food

ENROLL HERE

FACE TO FACE TRAININGS

Training Sessions for Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP)

Family Child Care FUNdamentals (1 to 7 training hours)
Introduction to Happy Mealtimes in Child Care Settings (1 to 4 training hours)

CACFP Food Safety Topics

Norovirus for Child Care (2 training hours)
Food Safety in Child Care (4 training hours)

Request Training

How To Request Training?

After you have entered the information on the Training Request Form, scroll to the bottom and press “Submit.” If your request is successfully transmitted to ICN, you will receive an electronic reply. If you do not receive a reply, please contact ICN.

Three Things to Remember:

ICN requires at least 8-10 weeks’ advance notice before the training date to schedule and plan a training session.
ICN Consultant Trainers must train a minimum of 4 hours in a single day.
A minimum of 25-30 participants is required for ICN to provide a training session.

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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Child Nutrition Recipes

Child Nutrition Recipe Box

CACFP Fact Sheets/Tip Sheets

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CACFP Fact Sheets/Tip Sheets

Title	Date added	Download
8 Tips for Making the Most of Food Dollars-Care Connection Fact Sheets	December 16, 2020	Download
Advantages and Disadvantages of Convenience Foods -Care Connection Fact Sheets	December 16, 2020	Download
Cycle Menus -Care Connection Fact Sheets	December 16, 2020	Download
Incorporating More Whole Grain Foods-Care Connection Fact Sheets	December 16, 2020	Download
Recycling -Care Connection Fact Sheets	December 16, 2020	Download
Shopping Tips to Keep Foods Safe-Care Connection Fact Sheets	December 16, 2020	Download
Using a Budget to Save on Food Cost-Care Connection Fact Sheets	December 16, 2020	Download
When and How to Wash Hands*-Care Connection Fact Sheets	December 16, 2020	Download

Cycle Menus for Child Care

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Cycle Menus for Child Care- Preschoolers

Title	Date added	Download
Cycle Menus for Child Care- Preschoolers	July 14, 2022	Download

Monthly Newsletters

Mealtime Memos

As of 2021, the Mealtime Memo is published online and can be accessed here

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2020 Mealtime Memos

Title	Date added	Download
December 2020 - Culturally Inspired Holiday Meals	December 03, 2020	Download
November 2020 - Healthy Meals, Divided Responsibilities	October 30, 2020	Download
October 2020 - ICN and USDA Team Nutrition Resource Highlights	October 14, 2020	Download
September 2020 - Healthy Meals for Hispanic Heritage Month	September 10, 2020	Download
August 2020 - Staying Safe During COVID-19	August 10, 2020	Download
July 2020 - Grain-Based Desserts	July 06, 2020	Download
June 2020 - Good Nutrition is Important!	June 08, 2020	Download
May 2020 - Get Moving! Having Fun with Physical Activity	May 07, 2020	Download
April 2020 - Prevention is in Your Hands!	April 08, 2020	Download
March 2020 - Tips For A Better Shopping Experience	March 18, 2020	Download
February 2020- Fostering a Positive and Friendly Eating Environment	February 13, 2020	Download
January 2020 - Whole Grains - Why Not!	December 20, 2019	Download

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2019 Mealtime Memos

Title	Date added	Download
December 2019 - Encouraging Healthy Habits: Tips for Child Care Providers	December 05, 2019	Download
November 2019 - Essential Nutrients In Milk	November 04, 2019	Download
October 2019 - Citrus Fruits and Vitamin C	October 07, 2019	Download
September 2019 - Strategies for Reducing Added Sugars	September 24, 2019	Download
August 2019 - Everyday I’m Guzzlin	August 08, 2019	Download
July 2019 - Celebrate and Stay Alert	July 09, 2019	Download
June 2019 - Physical Activity	May 31, 2019	Download
May 2019 - Seasonal Berries of Spring and Summer	May 06, 2019	Download
April 2019 - Preventing Anemia	April 02, 2019	Download
March 2019 - The Importance of Breakfast	February 27, 2019	Download
February 2019 - Defining, Buying, and Eating Local Food	February 01, 2019	Download
January 2019- Safely Storing Breastmilk	December 20, 2018	Download

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2018 Mealtime Memos

Title	Date added	Download
December 2018 - Tis the Season for Fun, Nutritious Eating	November 29, 2018	Download
November 2018 - Strong Bones	October 31, 2018	Download
October 2018 - Fall Picnic Celebration	October 01, 2018	Download
September 2018 - It's Harvest Time!	September 04, 2018	Download
August 2018 - Family Meals - Oh Yea!!!	July 25, 2018	Download
July 2018 - Red, White, and Blue: A Celebration	July 02, 2018	Download
June 2018 - Safety In Child Care	June 12, 2018	Download
May 2018 - Nutrition and Learning	June 12, 2018	Download
April 2018- Keeping Children's Eyes Healthy	June 12, 2018	Download
March 2018- Sowing Seed - The Growing Time	June 12, 2018	Download
February 2018- Screen Media – Its Influence and Recommendations	June 12, 2018	Download
January 2018- Magnificent Milk - Have Some Please	June 12, 2018	Download

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New Resource! Grab In 5 Lesson Family Materials

The Grab in 5 handouts feature five ways to incorporate healthy practices within the home and community. Families may find these handouts useful when seeking strategies for incorporating gardening, recycling, good nutrition, physical activity, and more.

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Grab in 5

Title	Date added	Download
5 Ways to Plan a Healthy Fundraiser	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Stay Healthy During Flu Season	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Reduce Kitchen Waste	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Enhance Playtime with Children	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Start a Garden	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Incorporate More Physical Activity	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Grocery Shop with Kids	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Eat More Leafy Green Vegetables	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Introduce Children to Vegetables	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Get Fit While Gardening	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Ways to Support a Healthy Environment	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Easy Ways to Pack a Budget-Friendly Lunch	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Benefits of More Outdoor Play	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Tips for Composting	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Places to Take an Indoor Walk	February 19, 2020	Download
5 Tips for Physical Activity in Cold Temperatures	February 19, 2020	Download

New Resource! Grab and Go Lessons for CACFP Professionals

Grab and Go Lessons feature user-friendly, research-based best practices. These 2-3 page handouts are designed specifically for operators of the Child and Adult Care Food Program with limited time.

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Title	Date added	Download
An Earth-Friendly Child Care Environment	October 22, 2020	Download
CACFP and Parent Information	October 22, 2020	Download
CACFP FAQs for Child Care Center Directors	October 22, 2020	Download
CACFP FAQs for Family Child Care Providers	October 22, 2020	Download
Strategies for Succeeding on the CACFP	October 22, 2020	Download

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Procurement

Title	Date added	Download
FAQs for Choosing Small Equipment for Child Care	October 22, 2020	Download
Food Buying Guide Calculator	October 22, 2020	Download
Procurement Methods for CACFP	April 21, 2021	Download
Purchasing Large Equipment in the CACFP	October 22, 2020	Download

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Compliance

Title	Date added	Download
Basics for Using CACFP Funds on Allowable Costs	April 21, 2021	Download
Breastmilk and Infant Formula	October 22, 2020	Download
CACFP Food Component Basics	May 05, 2022	Download
Infant Meal Pattern Age Groups	October 22, 2020	Download
Infants and Developmental Readiness	October 22, 2020	Download
Nutritional Benefits of the Meal Pattern	October 22, 2020	Download
Record-Keeping Basics for Centers Operating the CACFP	May 05, 2022	Download
The Basics of the Meats:Meat Alternates Component	October 22, 2020	Download
Using Offer Versus Serve in the CACFP	May 05, 2022	Download

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Title	Date added	Download
Calibrating Food Thermometers	May 18, 2020	Download
Choking Prevention	April 21, 2021	Download
Keep Food Safe- Clean, Sanitize, and Disinfect	May 20, 2020	Download
Keep Food Safe- Control Food Temperatures	May 20, 2020	Download
Keep Food Safe- Wash Hands the Best Way	May 20, 2020	Download
Keep Mealtime Safe in Child Care Settings	May 20, 2020	Download
Personal Hygiene for the Child Care Kitchen	May 20, 2020	Download
Self-Inspections for Food Safety	April 21, 2021	Download
Strategies for Incorporating Physical Activity in Child Care	April 21, 2021	Download

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Title	Date added	Download
A Caring Relationship at Mealtimes	May 20, 2020	Download
Alternative Cooking Methods to Deep-Fat Frying	April 21, 2021	Download
Alternative Cooking Methods to Deep-Fat Frying	April 21, 2021	Download
Benefits for Serving Meals Family Style in Child Care	May 20, 2020	Download
Benefits for Using Standardized Recipes in the CACFP	April 21, 2021	Download
CACFP and Family Style Meal Service	October 22, 2020	Download
Defining Tofu and How It Credits in the CACFP	April 21, 2021	Download
Handling Pumped Breastmilk- Receiving, Storing, and Preparing	May 20, 2020	Download
Happy Mealtime Self-Check	May 20, 2020	Download
Offering and Making Water Available in Child Care	May 20, 2020	Download
Protein and Good Nutrition	October 22, 2020	Download
Selecting Grains for Good Health	October 22, 2020	Download
Snacks for a Balanced Nutrition	May 05, 2022	Download
Special Support for the Breastfeeding Family	May 20, 2020	Download
Strategies for Reducing Sodium	October 22, 2020	Download
Strategies for Reducing Sugar	October 22, 2020	Download
Tip Sheet- 5 Tips for Understanding a Child's View of Mealtime	May 20, 2020	Download
Understanding Marketing Claims	April 21, 2021	Download
Understanding Measurements for Food Preparation	April 21, 2021	Download
Understanding the Ingredient List on Labels for Good Nutrition	April 21, 2021	Download
Understanding the Parts of the Nutrition Facts Label	April 21, 2021	Download
Using Herbs and Spices to Flavor Foods- Enhancing Flavor and Appeal	April 21, 2021	Download
Using Herbs and Spices to Flavor Foods- Purchasing and Storing	April 21, 2021	Download
Vary Your Vegetables and Fruits	October 22, 2020	Download
Vegetarian Diets for Young Children	May 05, 2022	Download
Working with a Chef to Build Culinary Skills	April 21, 2021	Download

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Education and Training

Title	Date added	Download
Creating a Positive Learning Environment	April 21, 2021	Download
Field Trip Adventures at the Grocery Store	October 22, 2020	Download
Pursuing a Mentor for Success in the CACFP	April 21, 2021	Download
Steps to Planning a Nutrition Education Activity	May 20, 2020	Download
Training Development for CACFP Professionals- Part 1	April 21, 2021	Download
Training Development for CACFP Professionals- Part 2	April 21, 2021	Download
Understanding Adult Learners	April 21, 2021	Download
Using Art, Literacy, and Dramatic Play to Teach Nutrition	May 20, 2020	Download

Food Preparation Tools

Food preparation is a fundamental factor for providing nutritious meals and snacks in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Having the right tools, such as pots, pans, and knives, can make food prep simpler and faster. Here are some tools to consider when equipping your meal preparation area.

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Food Preparation Tools

Title	Date added	Download
Choosing the Right Knife	September 18, 2019	Download
Parts of a Knife	September 18, 2019	Download
Kitchen Essentials for Child Care Poster	February 19, 2020	Download

Links to Related Sources

Child Care Center Food Safety Guide

The Child Care Center Food Safety Guide provides guidelines and tips on how to safely prepare food in child care settings. This resource guide features the latest good food safety practices for personal hygiene; time and temperature control of food; cleaning and sanitizing; and safely preparing food for infants and young children. Use this guide to train new center staff in food safety and as a reference for food safety questions for child care centers.

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Child Care Center Food Safety Guide

Title	Date added	Download
Centros de Cuidado Infantil Guía de Seguridad Alimentaria	February 02, 2024	Download
Child Care Center Food Safety Guide	November 10, 2022	Download

CACFP RESEARCH

View Research Resources

Search and download a wide range of CACFP releated research
articles and documents.

View Research Resources

Education and Training Resources for CACFP Professionals

CACFP MEAL PATTERN RESOURCES

Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements Training

CACFP Meal Pattern Tip Cards

Optional Best Practices Training

Infant Meal Pattern Requirements Training

CACFP Meal Pattern Posters and Infographics

Step-by-Step Recipe Standardization Guide for the CACFP

Designing an Emergency Preparedness Plan Templates for Child Care

Get the Recipe Standardization Guide

ONLINE COURSES

Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements

CACFP Optional Best Practices

CACFP Meal Pattern Requirements

FACE TO FACE TRAININGS

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

CACFP Fact Sheets/Tip Sheets

Cycle Menus for Child Care- Preschoolers

Mealtime Memos

2020 Mealtime Memos

2019 Mealtime Memos

2018 Mealtime Memos

Grab in 5

Administration

Procurement

Compliance

Health and Safety

Nutrition and Meal Management

Education and Training

Food Preparation Tools

Child Care Center Food Safety Guide

CACFP RESEARCH