Streamlined CACFP Claiming & Administration
The Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is administered by the USDA as a meals subsidy for low-income families. ChildWatch® helps you collect and track key CACFP data — meals, attendance, nutrition planning — and process your monthly claim with automatic USDA disallowances. Learn about CACFP from the USDA →
Central Management for CACFP Sponsors
Sponsors can centrally manage home and center accounts from one area. As sponsorships grow, accounts may be grouped for streamlined management. Restrict staff access and functionality where needed.
Meal & Attendance Capture
Track attendance and capture meals using either or both methods:
- Pre-printed paper rosters (for computer entry afterwards)
- Mobile device via the ePos app — restricts entry to meal time, reducing errors and fraud
Meal Nutrition Planning (Updated USDA Meal Patterns)
Meal creation uses drop-down lists of Food Buying Guide items — simply select items for each food group. Includes:
- Automated serving amounts per age group
- Cycle meals with a few clicks
- USDA pattern rules enforced at meal, daily, and weekly levels
- Nearly 600 USDA-compliant menu items (including CN label items)
Claims Processing
Process your monthly meal and menu data in just a few clicks. Each claim is checked against USDA rules (configurable). Ineligible meals are automatically disallowed. Reporting includes state summary information, meal disallowances with reason descriptions, and financial statements.
Meal Production Record (MPR)
ChildWatch® completes your Meal Production Record automatically. Record planned totals and provide an easy-to-use Menu Guide to kitchen staff. Update actual amounts served after the meal to finalize the MPR — automatically disallowing meals for any food preparation shortages.
Budget & Expenses Tracking
Track expenses with the check register feature. Record your monthly reimbursement amount and enter expenses against it. A reconciliation report shows surplus status. The budget creator helps estimate labor and supply expenses.
Automated Event Notifications
ChildWatch® automatically emails notifications for important events — outdated participant forms and training, child income level changes, and more. From the participant's location, new forms may be printed, signed by parents, and submitted to the sponsor.
Data Importation
Already using another system? ChildWatch makes switching easy with a versatile data import feature. Export data from your current program, format it to match our easy-to-follow guide, and get a headstart — up and running quickly.