The #1 Reason Childcare Providers Lose Money at Tax Time

Every home childcare provider knows this moment. You open a drawer. Or a shoebox. Or your photo gallery. And you realize: “My receipts are everywhere… and tax season is coming.” You’re not alone. Most providers face tax time with a pile of scattered receipts, missing proof of payment, and questions about what the IRS actually

Launching and Expanding a Childcare Business in 2026

In today’s rapidly evolving childcare landscape, entrepreneurs need to stay ahead of emerging trends and requirements. Whether you’re an experienced provider looking to expand or a newcomer to the industry, this comprehensive guide will illuminate your path forward. With actionable strategies for securing funding, navigating licensing requirements, and maximizing benefits from the Food Program, you’ll

Thanksgiving Fun
Thanksgiving Fun for Little Ones: Must-Try Activities and Easy Recipes for Childcare Providers

Thanksgiving is a special time of year when families gather to express gratitude and share a delicious meal. As childcare providers, you have the opportunity to create a memorable and educational experience for the little ones in your care. In this article, we will explore a variety of fun activities and easy recipes that will

Reducing Salt & Sodium in Your Food Program
The Importance of Reducing Salt and Sodium in the Child and Adult Care Food Program

As a child care provider in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), you have a valuable opportunity to contribute to the overall well-being and development of the children under your care. By offering nutritious meals with reduced sodium content, you can help children develop healthy eating habits and support their growth. In this

Smarter Expense Management Starts with Receipt Capture

We’re excited to announce that starting October 15, sponsored centers using Parachute will have access to the new Receipt Capture feature — designed to simplify how Food Program expenses are recorded, reviewed, and verified.  Read Full Release Notes for October here → Receipt Capture, which is available exclusively in Parachute, helps sponsors cut down manual expenses review time and catch errors —

KidKare Accounting Transition to Parachute: Your Top Questions Answered

Beginning October 7, you will access Accounting data from Parachute rather than KidKare. All of your Accounting data (expenses, invoices, etc…) will live within the Parachute, which you can toggle to from KidKare at any time. Your Parachute account is already active, your current login credentials work, all your accounting data has been automatically transferred, and

3 CACFP Menu Ideas That Make National Child Health Day Special

Every childcare provider knows that moment when a picky eater finally tries a new vegetable, or when a child asks for seconds of a healthy meal you’ve carefully planned. These small victories happen because you understand something important: the meals you serve today are building tomorrow’s healthy adults. National Child Health Day, celebrated each first

Celebrating Farm to School Month in Childcare Settings

National Farm to School Month in October provides an excellent opportunity for childcare centers and in-home providers to embrace farm-based activities and nutrition education. This celebration has a significant impact on children’s health and learning experiences. The primary goals of Farm to School programs in early childhood settings are to serve locally-grown, healthy foods to young children,

Prepare for New Added Sugar Limits in Breakfast Cereals & Yogurts

As the landscape of nutritional guidelines evolves, childcare providers must adapt to new regulations that ensure children receive healthier meals. One significant change coming into effect is the updated added sugar limits for breakfast cereals and yogurts under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). With the implementation date set for October 1, 2025, it

From Burnout to Balance: Self-Care Strategies for Family Childcare Owners

Running a family childcare business can be deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to shape young minds and provide essential services to families in your community. However, this profession comes with unique challenges that can lead to significant stress and burnout. Recent studies have shown alarming rates of burnout among childcare professionals, with many experiencing physical