Family Child Care Homes

Any family child care home operating with proper licensing or approval from state and local authorities is eligible to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Family child care homes must have a sponsor, such as Child Nutrition Program, Inc., to receive CACFP funds. A sponsor processes the paperwork and makes payments to the child care homes. This service is provided at no cost to the child care provider. Once you choose a sponsor, you may change sponsors only once a year.

Program guidelines effective in July 1997 established multiple reimbursement rates for child care homes. The reimbursement rate can be determined by a number of factors, including the income levels in the area the home is located, the provider's family income, or the income levels of the families whose children are enrolled in the program.

A home serving 5 children breakfast, lunch, and a snack would be reimbursed between $150 and $300 per month, depending on the reimbursement rate.

Also, if the provider's family meets income guidelines, the program may pay for the provider's children's meals as well.