To join CDA’s Nutrition Program, providers can call the CDA Nutrition Office or complete the web form online. Our friendly office staff will check to see if we are currently completing sign-ups in your area and schedule a training appointment at a time that is convenient for you. In addition to regular business hours, early evening and Saturday morning appointments are also available for your convenience.

In order to participate in the CACFP, providers must be either licensed or registered with Trustline. Providers must also agree to follow the Federal and State regulations and requirements for the CACFP. Not a licensed provider? Click here to learn more.

CDA serves providers in 6 counties across Southern California. If you live in San Diego County, Imperial County, Orange County, Riverside County, Southern Bernardino County or certain areas of Los Angeles County, we may be able to serve you. Please contact our office, to see if we are currently scheduling new sign-ups in your area.

No, all licensed and Trustline providers are eligible to participate regardless of income and location. Providers are reimbursed for meals based on their qualified tiering rate. The reimbursement structure allows higher reimbursement to providers located in low-income areas, and also to providers and children from low-income households.

Providers signing up for the CDA Nutrition Program must submit a copy of their license, and complete the new sign-up paperwork as well as the program application. Enrollment forms must also be completed and submitted within 5 days for all new or currently enrolled children.

Yes, please head to our Resource Center to view available forms. If the form you are looking for is not in the Resource Center, please call the CDA Nutrition Office and we will be happy to assist you.

Your Field Services Representative, also known as your monitor, is your personal CDA Nutrition Program guide. They are available to help you answer any questions you may have and provide personalized training and support throughout the year. Your Field Services Representative will complete visits with you at least 3 times per year to see how you are doing on our program and offer any assistance you may need.

The cost of food is higher than ever, and participating in the CACFP can help reduce the cost of operating your childcare or reduce the cost to the parent, while providing the children with healthy meals and snacks. Additionally, when children are served CACFP meals they have the opportunity to experience foods that they may not be exposed to at home, and children learn from watching their peers eat different foods.

Yes, providers are reimbursed for feeding an infant whether the infant is on formula or breast milk. For more information on Claiming Infants please refer to section 4 of our Provider Handbook.

Yes. Once you enroll drop-in and part time children, claim them when present and you will be reimbursed.

TrustLine is California’s registry of in-home child care providers, who have passed a background screening and are licensed for child care. It was created by the California Legislature in 1987 and is a powerful resource for parents hiring a caregiver. All caregivers listed with TrustLine have been cleared through a fingerprint check of records at the California Department of Justice.

Reimbursement rates are based on the school boundary in which the provider lives. If the school is in an area where fewer than 50% of the students are eligible to receive free/reduced price meals, then the provider is reimbursed at a lower “Tier II” rate. If the percentage of the students eligible to receive free/reduced price meals is greater than 50%, then the provider will receive a higher “Tier I” reimbursement rate for the meals they serve in their home. The provider may also qualify for the Tier I rate by submitting an income application and if their personal income is below a level set by the State. Individual children who meet the income eligibility requirements may also qualify for Tier I reimbursement rates.

Providers are reimbursed at rates set by the USDA for up to three meals (two major meals and one snack or two snacks and one major meal) per day per child for meals meeting the USDA standards for nutrition. Providers keep track of the children and meals that they serve throughout the month using a free computer program provided by CDA. At the end of each month, providers send their data to CDA at the push of a button.

No, only a licensed or TrustLine child care provider can sign up for the program.

Providers may only be reimbursed for meals served to their own children if they income qualify and when at least one non-resident day care child is present and claimed at the same meal.

If a child with food allergies is in care, call the CDA Nutrition Office for guidance. We will provide you with the required forms if necessary. For more information on CDA Medical Statements please refer to section 3 in the CDA Provider Handbook.