CACFP Certification Training for CCNP and CMP Applicants - post

Are you working toward your CACFP Child Nutrition Professional (CCNP) or CACFP Management Professional (CMP) certification? ChildCareEd offers online training that may help you document continuing education hours for certain CACFP certification specialty areas.

The CCNP and CMP certifications are awarded by the National CACFP Association. ChildCareEd does not issue these certifications. However, select ChildCareEd courses may support your application or renewal by providing documented clock hours in topics that align with CACFP certification CEU specialty areas.

What Are the CCNP and CMP Certifications?

CACFP Child Nutrition Professional (CCNP)

The CACFP Child Nutrition Professional, or CCNP, is designed for home child care providers, center staff, and staff employed by CACFP agencies such as sponsors, Head Start programs, state agencies, or other organizations administering CACFP.

This certification recognizes professionals who work with CACFP and want to demonstrate their commitment to child nutrition, program quality, and professional growth.

CACFP Management Professional (CMP)

The CACFP Management Professional, or CMP, is designed for CACFP administrators. CMP applicants must have experience in CACFP administration and are typically individuals working with a CACFP agency, sponsor, center, state agency, Head Start program, or similar organization.

This certification recognizes leadership, program administration experience, and commitment to maintaining high standards in CACFP operations.

Can ChildCareEd Training Be Used Toward CCNP or CMP Requirements?

ChildCareEd training may be used to support your CCNP or CMP application or renewal when the course topic aligns with one of the National CACFP Association’s accepted CEU specialty areas.

Applicants are responsible for reviewing the current CACFP Certification Handbook, selecting the correct certification pathway, documenting their completed training, and submitting their application directly to the National CACFP Association.

ChildCareEd recommends that applicants keep a copy of each certificate of completion and label each training by the most appropriate CACFP specialty area.

CACFP CEU Specialty Areas

The National CACFP Association organizes CEU hours into the following specialty areas:

1. Nutrition
2. CACFP Program Operations
3. Training & Technology
4. Program Administration
5. Financial Management
6. Management
7. Civil Rights & Policy

Using ChildCareEd Clock Hours on the CACFP CEU Worksheet

ChildCareEd certificates list CEUs in decimal format. For ChildCareEd online training, 0.1 CEU represents 1 clock hour of training, 0.2 CEUs represents 2 clock hours, and 0.3 CEUs represents 3 clock hours. When completing the CACFP CEU worksheet, applicants should convert the ChildCareEd CEU value into the equivalent CACFP training hours. For example, if a ChildCareEd certificate lists 0.3 CEUs, the applicant would document the course as 3 CEU hours on the CACFP worksheet and label it under the appropriate CACFP specialty area. Final acceptance is determined by the National CACFP Association. 

ChildCareEd Courses That May Support CACFP CEU Specialty Areas

The following courses strongly align with CACFP specialty area definitions. Final acceptance is determined by the National CACFP Association.

Specialty 1: Nutrition

Nutrition Essentials for Child Care Providers On My Plate: Children's Nutrition  Health and Nutrition

Healthy Habits from the Start  The First Year: Feeding Infants  Building a Healthier Tomorrow: Preventing Childhood Obesity

Wellness in Action: Teaching Healthy Habits to Children Prevention of and Response to Allergic Reactions

Specialty 2: CACFP Program Operations

Food Preparation and Nutrition

Specialty 3: Training & Technology

Developing a Successful Workshop  Ethical Responsibilities for Trainers Meeting Adult Learners' Needs

Writing Training Goals & Objectives Writing Workshop Proposals & Assessments

Specialty 5: Financial Management

Financial Assistance for Child Care Business Planning: Family Child Care

Specialty 6: Management

 Childcare Management Child Care Administration Early Childhood Program Administration

Balancing Act: Record Keeping & Supervision The Balancing Act for Administrators: Managing Responsibilities 

Staff Supervision, Observation & Feedback Supervision with Intent for Admin TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More

Renewal Requirements 

CACFP certifications are valid for 3 years. Professionals renewing their certification must complete the required number of CEU hours during their certification period and submit renewal documentation to the National CACFP Association.

CCNP renewal requires hours in Specialties 1-3, with a minimum number of hours in Specialty 1. CMP renewal requires hours across Specialties 1-7.

Frequently Asked Questions