Category: Blog_English

A woman and a smiling child pose together in a car, the child hugging her closely.

Grandparents: A Pillar of Strength and Love in Home-Based Child Care

Grandparents are unsung heroes of home-based child care. Millions of grandparents are stepping up all across the U.S. to provide primary care for their grandchildren. Stories like Tracy Owen, Natalie Whitesides, and Maria Buehler show how grandparents balance work, retirement, or other responsibilities while providing loving care.

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Five young children sit at a table, using tongs to pick up pretzels and apple slices from plates.

Revised CACFP Rates Don’t Make a Dent: What to know about the new rates and the implications of new federal policies

Despite a small 2.23% increase in CACFP reimbursement rates for 2025–26, HBCC providers are still struggling to cover rising food and operational costs. The updated rates add just a few cents per meal. Meanwhile, new federal policies threaten to reduce eligibility for free and reduced-price meals, putting further strain on providers and limiting access to nutritious food for kids. This blog breaks down what’s changed, why it matters, and what’s at stake for child care providers and families alike.

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