Page 6 - PRI New Provider Manual

Mission Statement
An Introduction
The following Mission Statement expresses the aims and goals of this agency:
Provider Resources, Inc., (PRI) is a federally-funded, non-profit [501©(3)], Massachusetts agency that educates children, Family Child Care Providers and parents about good nutrition and administers a Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to family (at-home) child care providers through the PRI. Provider Resources is committed to the philosophy of this federal food program that all children have the right to be well fed, regardless of family income.
This program promotes a lifelong healthy approach to eating for both children and parents and insures that children enrolled in Family Child Care are receiving nutritionally balanced meals. Provider Resources, Inc. was founded on and adheres to these principles:
• Every child is entitled to the best nurturing possible through good nutrition so that the spirit, creativity, and potential of each child can be realized.
• Every Provider is entitled to dependable, timely services and to a program that is responsive to their needs.
What Is Provider Resources, Inc.?
PRI is a tax exempt, non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. PRI was organized as a non-profit agency in 1988. PRI is an umbrella organization, which include PRI, Child Care Referrals and Child Care Training.
What Is the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)?
The CACFP is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. In this program, licensed Family Child Care Providers and some Informal Child Care Providers (ICC) are trained in the food program pattern and are reimbursed at a fixed rate for serving meals and snacks to their day care children, as well as their own, if they are income eligible.
In Massachusetts, the CACFP is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. A contract has been issued to Provider Resources, Inc., as a recognized sponsor qualified to administer the program.
What is The Purpose of the CACFP?
The program is designed to insure that children in the program receive healthy, well-balanced meals. This is achieved by comprehensive training of providers in the basic principles of good nutrition.
At PRI, participating Family Child Care Providers are required to learn the principles of the child care meal pattern and serve foods accordingly. Providers must keep accurate, up to date records and submit them in a timely manner in order to receive reimbursement.
360 Merrimack St, Suite 44 • Lawrence, MA 01843 • (781)-939-9292