Meet the New Parachute

In the ever-changing landscape of childcare management, staying ahead means embracing technology that evolves with your needs. This month, we’re excited to announce that Parachute has transformed from a robust financial software into a comprehensive childcare management system with powerful new features designed to streamline your operations and enhance parent communication. The Evolution of Parachute With 30 years of industry experience behind

CACFP Budget Guide for Sponsors

Creating and managing a budget for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) can feel overwhelming, especially with changing regulations and fiscal requirements. As a CACFP sponsor overseeing multiple sites, your budget isn’t just a financial document—it’s the foundation of your program’s success and compliance. This CACFP budget guide will walk sponsors through the

How Centers and Providers Make or Break CACFP Compliance

In the world of childcare and adult care services, participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides vital financial support for serving nutritious meals. However, the path to successful program participation is paved with detailed requirements, extensive documentation, and regular monitoring. Understanding how centers and providers can make or break CACFP compliance

Food Safety Tips for Your Childcare Business

Food safety is essential in any childcare setting. When hungry children are waiting to be fed, you can’t risk serving them anything that might make them sick. That’s why it’s so important to know how to handle and store food properly. This article covers food safety guidelines for childcare programs. There are four main areas

Infant Menus
Creative Ways to Make Infant Menus: A Guide for Childcare Providers

Creating nutritious meals for infants in childcare settings is both a responsibility and an opportunity. As a childcare provider, you’re tasked with following the CACFP infant meal pattern while also introducing little ones to a world of flavors and textures. This balance between regulatory compliance and culinary creativity can sometimes feel challenging. The CACFP infant

How CACFP Software Can Streamline Your Compliance

Running a Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) should be about nourishing the people you serve, not drowning in paperwork. Yet for many program administrators, the reality involves endless hours tracking meals, verifying attendance, and preparing for compliance reviews. The good news? There’s a technological solution designed specifically for these challenges. The Daily Reality

CACFP Bills
Understanding Two Critical Bills and How to Take Action

The Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act: Expanding Access and Reducing Barriers The Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act focuses on expanding meal access and streamlining administration. Introduced in the 119th Congress on April 10, 2025, this bill includes several key provisions that would significantly improve how nutrition programs operate. Extended Meal Coverage for Children in Long-Day

7 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Conference
7 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Conference

Conferences are a fantastic opportunity for networking and learning about new topics related to your field. Whether you’re new in the industry or an experienced professional, attending conferences can give you a fresh perspective on your industry, introduce you to experts in your field, and expose you to new ideas that can help advance your

Celebrating CACFP Women
Celebrating CACFP Women

This year, in honor of National Women’s History Month, we would like to take this opportunity to recognize some of the amazing women of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) who have significantly impacted their communities and have inspired others along the way. The CACFP is a federally funded program addressing food insecurity

Childcare
5 Tips for Family Childcare Providers in 2025

As we step into 2025, family childcare providers have a unique opportunity to reset, refine, and revolutionize their business strategies. This guide offers five actionable tips to help you navigate the evolving landscape of childcare and set the stage for a prosperous year ahead. 1. Set Clear Objectives and Embrace a Word of Focus In