Child Care Links

Hutchinson Providers: Summer movies at the Fox Theatre are back! Share with families or consider a field trip for your older kiddos! Have a great summer!

The June Newsletter is ready for you! It is packed with important updates and program changes. Read it here: https://www.childcarelink.org/newsletter

Milk regulation changes coming soon for the CACFP!

USDA released a final rule that allows whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk to be offered to participants ages two and up in the CACFP, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Special Milk Program (SMP).

This rule does not require CACFP operators to offer whole and reduced-fat milk but allows operators the flexibility to offer these types of milk to participants two and up if it makes sense for their program. The rule will be effective June 8, 2026.

Read more about this final rule on our blog: https://www.cacfp.org/2026/05/08/final-rule-expanding-fluid-milk-options-in-cnps/

a2 Platinum USA Label Infant Formula Recalled Because of Possible Health Risk
The a2 Milk Company (“a2MC”) has voluntarily recalled three specific batches of its imported a2 Platinum Premium USA label infant formula 0-12 months (“Product”) due to the presence of cereulide. The Product is sold only in the United States. Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Illness occurs through the consumption of food contaminated with the toxin and preparing formula with hot water does not eliminate it.

The Product was distributed nationally through a2MC’s website, Amazon and Meijer stores as part of Operation Fly Formula. Importation rights expired on December 31st, 2025, and the Product has been discontinued and removed from sale prior to the initiation of the recall. The total number of units in the three batches is 63,078 of which an estimated 16,428 units were sold to consumers.

Send a message to learn more

Just like Spring, the May newsletter has arrived! It’s now posted on our website and filled with important CACFP information, reminders, and resources just for you. Be sure to take a look and stay up to date! https://www.childcarelink.org/newsletter

CPR will be held on Saturday May 9, 2026. Register on our website today if you need certified or need to renew! www.childcarelink.org

Attention Reno County Providers! There is a great family event happening in Hutchinson on May 2nd. Please share with the families you serve!

Another great training opportunity!

💻 Online Training: "Garden Growing with Little Learners."

What happens when you hand a child a trowel and a patch of dirt? Curiosity grows.
Creating an outdoor growing space gives young children real opportunities to dig, explore, observe, and discover how things change over time. Explore how to design a garden that fits your space and budget, including choosing the right materials, equipment, and placement for success. You’ll also learn developmentally appropriate ways to actively involve children in gardening experiences so they can investigate, ask questions, and learn through hands-on discovery.
Training requirements must be complete by the training end date. Requirements include reading content and completing discussion boards, check-in quizzes, and assessments.
This course is appropriate for all early care and education professionals in center-based and family child care settings.
Prefer this content in a different training format? Look for Growing with Little Learners: Creating Outdoor Garden Spaces.

📅 Opens: April 23 at 12:00 P.M.
Closes: April 30 at 12:00 P.M.
⏱️ 2 KDHE Hours
📌 Register by April
🔗Sign Up Here: https://www.yourcape.org/product/garden-growing-with-little-learners/01tPH00000JqNlZYAV

Great Opportunity For Home Providers!!

"Our Earliest Eaters: Bringing the Farm to Kansas Licensed Early Child Care"

This is a statewide initiative through the Kansas Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.

What the program is:

A farm-to-early-childhood education program designed for child care providers
Focuses on teaching young children (birth–5) about fruits, vegetables, and where food comes from
Combines nutrition education + hands-on learning + local food exposure

What providers receive:

Free curriculum with seasonal lessons like:
Spring: spinach
Summer: melon
Fall: apples
Winter: squash
Resource kits (books, posters, child-safe cooking tools)
Reimbursement funds to purchase locally grown Kansas produce for activities

Why it matters:

Kids in child care often eat over half their daily calories there
Early exposure helps children:
Try new foods
Build lifelong healthy eating habits
Understand agriculture and local foods

How it works in practice:

Providers teach the lessons
Do hands-on activities (cutting, tasting, exploring produce)
Serve local fruits/vegetables
Get reimbursed for those food purchases

Applications are open for Kansas family child care homes
Get More Information and/or Apply Here:

Our Earliest Eaters: Bringing the Farm to Kansas Licensed Early Child Care Project | Department of Agriculture The Kansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for Kansas licensed early child care providers to receive agriculture education curriculum and resource kits to teach children about Kansas fruit and vegetable production. While teaching the curriculum, early child care providers and...

The Institute of Child Nutrition is offering Spring Trainings that will count for your CACFP Hours. Registration is happening now! Register here:

Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) – Institute of Child Nutrition