WASHINGTON, DC — Dr. Lynette M. Fraga, executive director of Child Care Aware® of America, issued the following statement on changes the House Agriculture Committee has approved for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the current version of the House Farm Bill (H.R. 2):

Child care resource and referral (CCR&Rs) agencies, you have the opportunity to help shape the future of the early care and education workforce!

From April 21 – 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with partners, community leaders, healthcare professionals and stakeholders, will observe National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). This annual observance highlights the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrates the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities.

Help CACFP Celebrate a Milestone 

The program turns 50 on May 8, 2018. Nemours Children’s Health System and the National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Forum will be creating a billboard-sized birthday card on Capitol Hill. The card will be a mosaic of thousands of images from community programs serving CACFP meals and snacks. (Sorry, the deadline to submit photos has passed.) Some providers are hosting CACFP birthday parties in their programs. If you're interested, here are some places to go for party ideas: 

The Problem 

Infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC) is an evidence-based intervention for supporting young children’s social-emotional development. It teams a mental health professional with early care and education professionals to improve children’s social, emotional and behavioral health. However, many child care providers may not have access to or may not know how to get the most out of a mental health consultant.  

Vroom, in partnership with Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA), continues to provide strong support and enrichment to the CCR&R community. CCAoA is excited to offer a full Vroom Track at Symposium 2018 this coming April.