IStaying Program Review Ready: Annual Tips for Ongoing CACFP Compliance
If you’re a CACFP sponsor or daycare owner/director, you know that a CACFP program review can pop up when you least expect it. Staying ready for a CACFP program review all year—not just in the months before—is the key to protecting your reimbursements, reducing stress, and making sure your program runs smoothly.
Here are simple, effective strategies to keep your CACFP paperwork, training, and compliance on track year-round:
1. Use Technology to Automate Your Systems
You can utilize AI-powered tools for receipt management and digital recordkeeping. Automated reminders for expiring forms or missing documents helps you stay ahead of deadlines and reduces manual work. Digital organization means you can access every required record with just a few clicks, so there’s no more scrambling when the reviewer calls.
2. Don’t Wait Until a Review Is Announced
The best time to get ready for a CACFP program review is before you ever get the notice. Ongoing consulting support means you always have an expert on hand to help you catch small issues before they become big problems.
Did you know? CACFP Solutions can help with a pre-review assessment call—ensuring you’re always a step ahead.
It’s free – schedule your call here!
3. Maintain a “Rolling Binder” System
Instead of the last-minute pre-review paperwork scramble, create a rolling binder—physical or digital—where you file documents as soon as they’re completed. Each week, add new receipts, menus, updated enrollment forms, and any training certificates. This habit keeps your records current and makes review prep almost effortless.
Quick win: Assign a team member to check the rolling binder weekly, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
4. Conduct a Mid-Year Compliance Check
Rather than just conducting annual audits, schedule some quick mid-year compliance checks. Take a few hours in the middle of the year to review your files, policies, and procedures. Correct any gaps or expired documents, so you’re never caught off guard if a program review comes early.
5. Schedule Annual Staff Training
Make annual CACFP training part of your calendar. This keeps your whole team aware of compliance changes and best practices, reducing the risk of accidental mistakes.
Tip: Keep a training log and upload certificates to your digital files for easy access during a CACFP program review.
Make Ongoing Compliance Easy
You don’t have to do this alone. At CACFP Solutions, we help centers and sponsors stay Program review ready all year with:
- Ongoing consulting packages
- Administrative review services – including document prep, expert advice, and more.
- Easy-to-use digital tools
- Responsive support for questions big and small
Ready to take the stress out of CACFP compliance?
Schedule a call with our team to explore your options today. With the right partner, you’ll always be ready—no matter when your next CACFP Program review comes around.
Are you review ready?
Curious about how ready you are for your CACFP Administrative Review, but not yet ready to schedule a call with us? View our Program Review self-assessment tool and evaluate how ready you are!