Love Little Children, Inc.

Love Little Children, Inc. Food Program for Daycare Providers forms as well as training materials. Child Care Providers will communicate with us through the mail and phone.

Our Services

Our role as a Sponsor through the Department of Education, Nutrition Services Division, is to help childcare providers to learn, practice, and teach good nutrition principles. We will educate and train daycare providers, Russian, English and Spanish speaking, in providing healthy, balanced, nutritious meals for children, ages 0 – 13. Also, the providers will be educated in possible w

ays to teach children about healthy eating habits, according to their development. We will be available to the providers to handle any particular issues they may encounter such as eating disorders, and to provide suggestions in dealing with those issues. We will train the providers in filling out necessary paperwork records, and the organization will provide operational materials i.e. Training will occur on an on-going basis by our staff receiving phone calls in the office. In addition, we will provide workshops for the providers outside of our office. The workshops will occur at least once a year, and they will inform providers of changes in state regulations, answer questions, and provide new suggestions for educating the children according to their development about taking care of their bodies. In addition, workshops will provide support to the providers. We will further support the providers by visiting the providers three times per year. One visit will be announced, and two visits will be unannounced. These visits will check the record keeping of the providers, answer questions, and check the food being provided to the children. Visits will ensure the quality of the program is maintained. Each month, the organization will receive monthly logs from the daycare providers of the food provided to the children. The administrative staff will input the data into a computer format that will provide an acceptable format of spreadsheet information to be submitted to the State for reimbursement. The accounting personnel will disburse the funds received from the State to the daycare providers, once the monies are received. The accounting personnel will maintain accounting records and compile financial statements throughout each fiscal year.

MONDAY MUNCHIES – Roast Turkey Breast with Rosemary, Sage, and ThymeMakes: 8 ServingsPerfect for a holiday gathering, th...
11/24/2025

MONDAY MUNCHIES – Roast Turkey Breast with Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme

Makes: 8 Servings

Perfect for a holiday gathering, this roast turkey breast can be prepared in less time than a whole turkey. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
• 3 pounds turkey breast half (with skin and bones)
• 1 onion, large quartered
• 1 carrot, large quartered
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper (to taste, optional)
• chicken broth, low sodium (or margarine, for basting, optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Preheat oven to 400 °F.
3. Place turkey breast in roasting pan along with onion and carrot.
4. Mix spices with olive oil. Rub turkey with olive oil.
5. Roast turkey at 400 °F for 15 minutes. Baste with margarine and chicken broth (optional).
6. Reduce turkey temperature to 350 °F and roast turkey, basting every 20 minutes with pan juices (or margarine and chicken broth), about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until meat thermometer inserted in thick part of meat registers 165 °F.
7. Remove to carving board and let rest for 10 minutes.

MYPLATE FOOD GROUPS
Protein: 6 ounces

Source:
U.S. Department of Agriculture. MyPlate Kitchen Website. Roast Turkey Breast with Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme. Utah State University Cooperative Extension. Available at MyPlate.gov/MyPlateKitchen. Access date: 10/29/2025.

THRIVING THURSDAY – Thanksgiving Fun for Little Ones (Pt. 3)Thanksgiving is a special time of year when families gather ...
11/20/2025

THRIVING THURSDAY – Thanksgiving Fun for Little Ones (Pt. 3)

Thanksgiving is a special time of year when families gather to express gratitude and share a delicious meal. As childcare providers, you have the opportunity to create a memorable and educational experience for the little ones in your care. In this article, we will explore a variety of fun activities and easy recipes that will engage children in the spirit of Thanksgiving while promoting their development and learning.

READING STORIES OF GRATITUDE
Storytime is a cherished activity in any childcare setting, and Thanksgiving provides an excellent opportunity to introduce children to stories that emphasize gratitude and appreciation. There are numerous children’s books available that teach the importance of being thankful.

Remember, the key is to engage children through age-appropriate activities such as crafting thankfulness turkeys, involving them in kitchen tasks, reading stories of gratitude, and taking virtual field trips to learn about the history of Thanksgiving. By modeling appreciation and gratitude in your interactions, you create an environment where children learn to value and express their gratitude for the people and things around them.
This Thanksgiving, let’s make it a truly special and meaningful celebration for the children in our care. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your little ones!

Source: KidKare.com (Resources)

TUESDAY TIDBIT – Thanksgiving Fun for Little Ones (Part 2)Thanksgiving is a special time of year when families gather to...
11/18/2025

TUESDAY TIDBIT – Thanksgiving Fun for Little Ones (Part 2)
Thanksgiving is a special time of year when families gather to express gratitude and share a delicious meal. As childcare providers, you have the opportunity to create a memorable and educational experience for the little ones in your care. In this article, we will explore a variety of fun activities and easy recipes that will engage children in the spirit of Thanksgiving while promoting their development and learning.

HELPING OUT IN THE KITCHEN
Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to prepare a delicious feast. Involving children in the cooking process not only teaches them valuable skills but also instills a sense of appreciation for the effort that goes into meal preparation. As a childcare provider, you can incorporate age-appropriate kitchen tasks into your Thanksgiving activities.
For younger children, tasks such as tearing lettuce, washing vegetables, or mashing potatoes can be engaging and fun. These activities not only contribute to meal preparation but also allow children to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Older children can participate in more complex tasks such as measuring ingredients, stirring mixtures, or decorating desserts. By involving children in the kitchen, you are fostering their sense of responsibility and teaching them the value of teamwork.

Source: KidKare.com (Resources)

THRIVING THURSDAY – Thanksgiving Fun for Little Ones (Pt. 1)Thanksgiving is a special time of year when families gather ...
11/13/2025

THRIVING THURSDAY – Thanksgiving Fun for Little Ones (Pt. 1)

Thanksgiving is a special time of year when families gather to express gratitude and share a delicious meal. As childcare providers, you have the opportunity to create a memorable and educational experience for the little ones in your care. In this article, we will explore a variety of fun activities and easy recipes that will engage children in the spirit of Thanksgiving while promoting their development and learning.

TEACHING GRATITUDE THROUGH CRAFTS
Craft activities are a fantastic way to engage children in the theme of Thanksgiving while teaching them the importance of gratitude. One simple and creative craft idea is to make “Thankfulness Turkeys” (thebestideasforkids.com). To create these turkeys, you will need a few basic materials such as construction paper, markers, and a toilet paper roll.
Start by encouraging the children to draw a face on the toilet paper roll to represent the turkey’s body. Next, cut out several long ovals from the construction paper, which will serve as the turkey’s feathers. Each child can then write or draw something they are thankful for on each feather. Finally, glue the feathers to the back of the toilet paper roll to create a personalized thankfulness turkey. These turkeys can be displayed throughout the month of November, serving as a reminder of the things the children are grateful for.

Source: KidKare.com (Resources)

MONDAY MUNCHIES – Pumpkin ApplesauceBreakfast/Snack Crediting for Ages 3-5Total Time: 5 minutesServing Size: 2/3 cupServ...
11/10/2025

MONDAY MUNCHIES – Pumpkin Applesauce

Breakfast/Snack Crediting for Ages 3-5
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serving Size: 2/3 cup
Servings: 12
Components: Grains, Vegetable, Fruit

INGREDIENTS
• 6 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon or more to taste
• 1 tsp ground pumpkin spice
• 12 graham crackers (14 grams each cracker)

DIRECTIONS
1. Place applesauce, pumpkin, vanilla, pumpkin spice and cinnamon in a large bowl.
2. Mix until all is well combined.
3. Scoop 2/3 cup of mixture into a bowl and serve with 1 graham cracker for a complete snack.

CACFP CREDITING INFORMATION
One serving credits as 1/2 cup fruit, 1/8 cup vegetable and 1/2 oz eq grains.

Source: National CACFP Association (Creditable Recipes)

HAPPY FRIDAY FOODS – Fall Apple Pumpkin OatmealTotal Time: 15 minutesMakes: 8 servingsServing Size: 2/3 cup oatmeal and ...
11/07/2025

HAPPY FRIDAY FOODS – Fall Apple Pumpkin Oatmeal

Total Time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size: 2/3 cup oatmeal and 1/2 banana
Components: Grains, Vegetable + Fruit

INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups applesauce
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 bananas

DIRECETIONS
1. Add oats, water, applesauce, pumpkin, cinnamon and vanilla to a medium saucepan.
2. Cook on medium-high heat until liquid is almost nearly absorbed by the oats.
3. Serve 2/3 cup of oatmeal with 1/2 a banana, sliced to each participant immediately while still warm.

CACFP CREDITING INFORMATION
One serving provides 1/2 oz eq grains and 1/2 cup combined fruit and vegetable.

Source: National CACFP Association Creditable Recipes

MONDAY MUNCHIES – Pumpkin BreadThis flavorful whole grain-rich pumpkin bread is a nutritious and delicious treat perfect...
11/03/2025

MONDAY MUNCHIES – Pumpkin Bread

This flavorful whole grain-rich pumpkin bread is a nutritious and delicious treat perfect for breakfast, lunch or a snack.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Makes: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS
2 oz or 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 ¾ oz or 1/2 cup bread flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground ginger
4 oz canned pumpkin
¼ cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp or 1 oz vegetable oil
2 eggs
½ tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
1 Preheat the oven to 350 °F for conventional or 325 °F for convection.
2 Combine flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger in a mixing bowl. Stir well. Set aside for step 5.
3 Combine the pumpkin, brown sugar, and oil in a medium mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer at medium-high speed for 2 minutes.
4 Add eggs and vanilla, and continue beating on medium speed until the eggs are incorporated.
5 Add dry ingredients and mix on medium-low speed just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Do not overmix.
6 Pour batter into a small square baking pan (8” x 8”) sprayed lightly with a pan release spray.
7 Bake until golden brown. Conventional oven: 350 °F for 30 minutes Convection oven: 325 °F for 25 minutes.
8 Remove from oven. Let cool.
9 Portion: Cut into 6 pieces and serve 1 piece.

CACFP CREDITING INFORMATION
1 piece provides 1 oz eq grains.

Source: USDA Standardization Recipe Project - 2024

HAPPY FRIDAY FOODS – Mexican Street CornSnack Crediting for Ages 3-5Total Time: 15 minutesServing Size: 1/2 cup corn mix...
10/31/2025

HAPPY FRIDAY FOODS – Mexican Street Corn

Snack Crediting for Ages 3-5
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serving Size: 1/2 cup corn mixture, 2 tbsp cheese
Servings: 5
Components: Meat/Meat Alternate, Vegetable

INGREDIENTS
• 1 (16 oz) frozen corn kernels
• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 oz crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
• Chili powder (to taste)
• 1 lime, sliced into 6 wedges

DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium saucepan, boil corn kernels for 2-3 minutes. Or in a microwave safe bowl, heat corn on high heat for 4 minutes, rotating corn every minute. Drain water and keep corn in pan or bowl.
2. Add mayonnaise and yogurt to the corn. Mix until all corn kernels are coated.
3. Scoop 1/2 cup of corn mixture into a 5 oz cup. Add 2 tablespoons of cheese, 1-2 tablespoons of cilantro, a pinch of chili powder or more if desired.
4. Squeeze juice from 1 lime wedge over corn. Repeat 4 more times and serve warm.

CACFP CREDITING INFORMATION
One serving provides 1/2 cup vegetable and 1/2 oz eq meat alternate.

Source: National CACFP Association (Creditable Recipes)

MONDAY MUNCHIES - Rainbow Veggie Power BowlThis colorful creation celebrates the diversity of nutrients found in differe...
10/27/2025

MONDAY MUNCHIES - Rainbow Veggie Power Bowl

This colorful creation celebrates the diversity of nutrients found in different colored vegetables while meeting CACFP requirements for vegetables, grains, and protein.

COMPONENTS
• Brown rice (whole grain requirement)
• Grilled chicken strips (protein component)
• Steamed broccoli and carrots (vegetable requirement)
• Cherry tomatoes and bell pepper strips
• Low-fat shredded cheese
• Whole wheat dinner roll
• Fresh fruit cup with seasonal berries

This menu works well for children ages 3-5 and can be adapted for younger children by cutting foods into appropriate sizes. The variety of colors and textures engages children visually while providing essential nutrients.

Source: KidKare.com

WEDNESDAY WISDOM – Baby Safety ChecklistCreating a secure environment for infants requires more than just good intention...
10/22/2025

WEDNESDAY WISDOM – Baby Safety Checklist

Creating a secure environment for infants requires more than just good intentions—it demands vigilance, knowledge, and a comprehensive approach to safety. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, our essential Baby Safety Checklist will equip you with the tools to transform your childcare space into a fortress of protection.

GENERAL SAFETY
• Childproofing measures are in place, including outlet covers and safety gates.
• All furniture and appliances are secured to prevent tipping.
• Safety checks on toys and equipment are performed regularly.
SLEEP SAFETY
• Childproofing measures are in place, including outlet covers and safety gates.
• All furniture and appliances are secured to prevent tipping.
• Safety checks on toys and equipment are performed regularly.
FEEDING SAFETY
• All caregivers are aware of safe feeding practices and the introduction of new foods.
• Foods are prepared safely, ensuring they are not choking hazards.
• High chairs are secure, and babies are always supervised while eating.
PLAY SAFETY
• Play areas are free from small objects and choking hazards.
• Outdoor play is supervised, and play equipment is age-appropriate.
• Toys are regularly cleaned and inspected for damage.
This checklist is a starting point. Continual education and vigilance are key to adapting to each baby’s changing needs and abilities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILD SAFETY
For those interested in deepening their knowledge of baby safety, numerous resources are available:
• The American Academy of Pediatrics offers comprehensive guidelines on various aspects of child care, from sleep safety to nutrition.
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides updates on product recalls and safety standards for baby products.
• Local child safety workshops and classes can offer hands-on training in first aid, CPR, and childproofing.
Staying informed about the latest safety recommendations and product recalls can help childcare providers maintain a safe environment for the babies in their care.

Source: KidKare.com

MONDAY MUNCHIES – Confetti Egg TacoBreakfast/Snack Crediting for Ages 3-5Total Time: 10 minutesServing Size: 1 tacoServi...
10/20/2025

MONDAY MUNCHIES – Confetti Egg Taco

Breakfast/Snack Crediting for Ages 3-5
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serving Size: 1 taco
Servings: 8
Components: Meat/Meat Alternate, Grains

INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 4 large eggs
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large skillet, heat oil on medium-high.
2. Add peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, scramble the eggs, salt and onion powder with a fork or hand mixer. Add egg to the skillet and season with salt. Move the egg mixture around until the eggs are fully cooked.
4. Place 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each corn tortilla and serve warm. Add a side of fruit and milk for a complete breakfast.

CACFP CREDITING INFORMATION
One taco provides 3/4 oz eq grains and 3/4 oz meat alternate.

Source: National CACFP Association (Creditable Recipes)

HAPPY FRIDAY FOODS – Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed ShellsHappy National Pasta Day!Welcome the flavors of fall with these pumpk...
10/17/2025

HAPPY FRIDAY FOODS – Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Happy National Pasta Day!

Welcome the flavors of fall with these pumpkin ricotta stuffed shells! Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, pumpkin adds a nutritious twist to traditional stuffed shells.

Makes: 12 servings
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS
• 6 ounces jumbo pasta shells (about 12 jumbo pasta shells)
• 1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese, part skim
• 3/4 cup pumpkin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
• 2 tablespoons basil
• 1/4 teaspoon sage, dried
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce (low sodium)

DIRECTIONS
1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Preheat oven to 350 °F.
3. Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and place each on a baking sheet to cool.
4. In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, pumpkin, spices, and all but 1 tablespoon of the cheese. Reserve the 1 tablespoon cheese for topping.
5. Spread pasta sauce in the bottom of a baking dish that holds all the shells in a single layer. Fill each shell with about 3 tablespoons of pumpkin mixture and place shells close together on top of the sauce.
6. Cover pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake for 15 minutes more.

MY PLATE FOOD GROUPS
Dairy: 1/4 cups
Grains: 1/2 ounces
Vegetables: 1/4 cups

Source:
MyPlate (USDA)
Food Hero
Oregon State University Cooperative Extension Service

Address

3800 Watt Avenue, Ste 135
Sacramento, CA
95821

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(916) 348-7410

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