A New CACFP Year ▪ A New CACFP Goal

It is so difficult to set aside time for planning and scheduling amid all the challenges and duties within the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Whether you are a CACFP State Agency, CACFP Sponsor staff, Advocate, CACFP Vendor, CACFP Participant or USDA FNS staff, it just seems impossible. 

Objective
At the beginning of a new year, almost everyone can stand to do some organizing in some area of their lives. That could include a major New Year's resolution or smaller goals like organizing your desk drawer or getting some additional new CACFP Meal Pattern training, now is a great time to help make your life easier and less stressful. Where you are and where you want to be reflections are guaranteed to happen when you start the process of planning and setting new goals. It is time to use any effective planning and time management skills that you have to help you leave work at the end of the day on time, in control, and satisfied with a job well done in this New Year! 

Goals
Experience firsthand your goals coming to fruition. Only you can set goals for yourself, and only you can decide what each of those goals mean to you. A typical CACFP professional must fulfill a number of responsibilities in a variety of areas, and the to-do list is never-ending. It's important to prioritize those responsibilities, and have a plan on how to approach those responsibilities. In the CACFP setting, those priorities could include preparing for a state agency, federal or local CACFP review, reviewing new regulations, developing menus or curriculum, or conducting exit interviews. Whatever the responsibility might be, let’s realize planning and using time effectively is the only way to see those goals come to fruition. 

Communication
A key component in planning for the New Year is communication. Communication with sponsors, state agencies, child care providers, partners, parents and clients is imperative to helping you accomplish all of your goals, and becoming the best version of yourself. The quality of a relationship in CACFP is highly dependent on the quality of their communication. The better your communication skills are, the better our CACFP relationships will be.
They say planning and setting goals can be tedious, let’s face it, it is! That and time management shouldn't be painful but it is. But think of the benefits that will come from doing it. Too many to count!
So, get busy, set some CACFP goals and a To Do List, you know how to do it. You just have to start now.

Download  to do list and make your own.

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