Let’s Talk About Monitoring Visits: FCC Leaders at the Table

At the 34th Annual CACFP Conference in Monterey, Family Child Care (FCC) providers stepped into the spotlight with a workshop session that broke new ground: “Let’s Talk About the Monitoring Visits to Family Child Care: Shared Goals, Seeing One Another’s Challenges, & Looking for Opportunities.” We don’t usually feature our workshop sessions here on the blog. But this one was different. It was unique, powerful, and worth lifting up.

Led by members of the FCC Community of Wellness Steering Committee, the panel invited CACFP sponsors to join a conversation about strengths‑based practices and ways to build mutual respect before, during, and after monitoring visits. The energy in the room was palpable as providers and sponsors came together to share stories, reflect on challenges, and imagine new possibilities for partnership.

“Elevating provider voices isn’t just important — it’s essential to building stronger CACFP systems.”

The providers spoke candidly about their CACFP experiences, their pride in the work they do, and the importance of being seen as partners rather than simply subjects of compliance. Sponsors listened, acknowledged, and affirmed that provider voices matter.

One by one, providers shared their perspectives. Juliana Ramirez Hernandez spoke about her love for the food program and the joy it brings to children. Hayley Village reflected on the state of family child care and the resilience it requires. Claudia Mendoza highlighted the pride she takes in her kitchen and the dignity of her work. Jackie Jackson and Juliana offered insights into welcoming monitors into their homes, emphasizing that successful monitoring is about more than paperwork — it is about program integrity, trust, and the well‑being of children.

Top Takeaways

• Provider voices must be centered in CACFP conversations.

• Monitoring visits can be reframed as opportunities for partnership, not just compliance.

• Respect, empathy, and cultural responsiveness are essential to building trust.

• Dialogue between providers and sponsors strengthens program integrity and outcomes for children.

And to close it off, Catherine Scott reminded everyone why this moment mattered:

“We don’t wait for change, we build it. One provider, one block, one child at a time. CACFP isn’t just a program, it’s a movement. And we are leading it.” 

Her words captured the spirit of the workshop and left the room inspired.

Providers described the experience as validating and transformative. “This was the first complete session dedicated to providers presenting directly to monitors, which made it feel truly significant and validating,” said Hayley Village. Catherine Scott added, “They listened, they acknowledged, and they affirmed that our voices matter.”

Attendees echoed that impact in their feedback. One shared, “It was nice to hear from the daycare providers and get their perspective on monitoring and the CACFP.” Another reflected, “I was very inspired… I will definitely bring back some great feedback to my monitors.” Others wished for more time, noting that the conversation had only just begun and deserved to continue.

Although providers were only able to attend the conference for the one day due to the demands of their businesses, their presence left a lasting impression. CACFP Roundtable is committed to building upon this momentum. We are actively seeking out opportunities to elevate provider voices, foster inclusive policy dialogue, and strengthen the responsiveness of CACFP systems to the realities of home‑based child care.

“Our families trust us, our communities stand with us, and our commitment runs deep. Together, we’re planting seeds of health, equity, and respect — and we can’t wait to see them grow.” - Catherine Scott

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Thank You

This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Heising‑Simons Foundation. Their commitment to uplifting Family Child Care voices ensures that providers are recognized as essential partners in building equity, sustainability, and stronger outcomes for children and families.