This spawned a need for a flexible, affordable quality care setting for their small children. Many other young moms were finding they could fill a need for society by providing in-home care options for the workforce. I was a young working mom in the mid-1970’s and after my second child was born 11-1/2 months after the first one, I decided I could join the in-home profession of providing care for other children. I also started my child care business before there was Child and Adult Care Food Program availability. When, my sister (also an in-home licensed provider) called me and asked me if I had heard about this program that reimbursed me for the meals I served to the children in care, I was dumbfounded. “Where do I sign?” I responded. Through my experience as a working mom, a licensed family child care provider who didn’t have the “Food Program” and then did, I became very passionate about the program, the benefits for families (keeps the cost of child care affordable and families working), providers (I learned in a hands-on way the nutritious guidelines and standards that I needed to meet for every meal and snack I served). In the past 30 years I have seen the affect this program has had on providers and families. I also understand the plight of working families and how hectic and chaotic life can be for them when their children are so small. Family child care supports families. We strive to support family child care. Everyone benefits. Sharon Rasmussen
CCNI Founder
