Sharing Her Natural Gift: CACFP Showcase

Austin, TX, February 17, 2017 (Newswire.com) - ​​Jennifer Sims has the natural gift and ability to take care of children. Starting with her own 8 siblings, Jennifer cared for the younger ones just like they were her own and served as the neighborhood babysitter inviting kids to join their group. As she worked towards her certification, Jennifer served as an assistant at a home child care provider and the true testimony to her abilities came as that child care home closed. The families asked Jennifer to stay with their kids and even set up a facility for her.

Jennifer now has her own in-home child care where she serves two separate shifts,  during the day and after-school care with children ranging from birth to 13 years. Parent relationships are critical. Each day a log is sent home. This details the child's meals for the day and what they ate, tasted, or wouldn't try. Jennifer even asks what she can do differently knowing the kids might eat a certain food at home, but not with her. In addition to the daily log, an organized, color-coded menu system is displayed for anyone who visits. She happily shares her system with fellow providers at trainings through her sponsor.

"I have a diverse population. I want every child to feel welcome, as if this is their home away from home and know they will be well taken care of."

Jennifer Sims, Home Child Care Provider

Jennifer's focus above all else is the kids as she strives to find what makes each child their own person. If the kids need a different order to the room, she moves things around. If one learns better with numbers, shapes and letters on top of their favorite cars, she doesn't hesitate to place them there.

Along the way, she has cared for kids with autism, sensory disorders, hearing disabilities, and down syndrome.  She understands that kids don't always see things the way we see them and works nonstop to find what will work to make everyone successful at her home.

CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP progam they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association