CACFP Specialist

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

About Cadence Education
Cadence Education is a leading provider of early childhood education, operating over 325 private preschools and elementary schools across 30 states. With more than 30 years of experience, we are committed to fostering bright futures for children, families, employees, and communities through innovative, research-based curricula and nurturing environments. Our dedicated team of childcare professionals thrives on collaboration, open communication, and a supportive work-life balance.

Position Overview
The CACFP Specialist is responsible for ensuring the effective administration of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) across multiple childcare centers. This role focuses on maintaining compliance with USDA and state regulations, maximizing reimbursement opportunities, and promoting high-quality, nutritious meal services. The specialist provides hands-on support, training, and oversight to center staff while collaborating with leadership to enhance program outcomes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with on-demand pay via UKG Wallet

• 50% childcare tuition discount

• 401(k) with employer match

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

• Paid time off (increases with seniority)

• Company-paid life insurance, plus optional life and disability plans

• Tuition reimbursement and paid CDA

• Paid holidays and pet insurance

Why Join Cadence?
Join a passionate team dedicated to shaping bright futures for children and families. At Cadence Education, we value collaboration, professional growth, and a supportive work environment. Be part of a mission-driven organization that prioritizes child development, nutrition, and community impact.

CACFP Specialist Required Skills and Education:

• • · Requires the ability to travel up to 40% of the time.

  • · Requires ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.

  • · In-depth knowledge of CACFP(Child and Adult Care Food Program) guidelines, including USDA meal patterns, record keeping, and claim processing

  • · Requires familiarity with childcare management systems (e.g., Procare, KinderConnect) and online claim systems.

  • · Ability to travel to childcare center locations as needed.

  • · Must demonstrate professional and effective written and verbal communication skills.

  • · Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel

  • · Ability to prioritize workload and short and long-term operating plans to create highly satisfied customer outcomes.

  • · Ability to work in a fast-paced environment handling a high-volume workload dealing with priorities & deadlines.

  • · Must be a highly effective communicator with interpersonal skills that allow successful business interactions with individuals of a variety of work styles, personalities, and career levels.

  • · Must have the ability to be "hands-on" and assist in training work as needed

Education or equivalency:

· Requires a high school diploma or GED.

Experience:

 Must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with CACFP in a multi-site childcare or early education setting.

 Job Title Job Responsibilities:

1. Conduct on-site and virtual monitoring visits of participating childcare centers to assess compliance with USDA and state CACFP regulations. Identify areas of non-compliance, provide corrective action guidance, and follow up to ensure timely resolution. Collaborate with internal departments, including Operations, Nutrition Services, and Compliance, to support consistent and effective program implementation.

2. Deliver ongoing training and technical assistance to center directors, kitchen staff, and other relevant personnel on CACFP requirements, including meal pattern standards, portion sizes, recordkeeping, meal service documentation, and food safety practices. Tailor support based on site needs and staff experience levels.

3. Review and validate monthly meal reimbursement claims to ensure accuracy and compliance with program guidelines. Work with centers to correct errors and resubmit claims as necessary. Analyze claim data trends to identify opportunities for process improvement and maximized reimbursement.

4. Stay current with USDA and state-specific CACFP policies, updates, and guidance. Communicate relevant changes to center staff and stakeholders promptly. Assist in the development, revision, and distribution of internal policies, procedures, training manuals, and reference tools to align with evolving regulations.

5. Maintain organized and up-to-date records of site monitoring visits, training sessions, corrective actions, reimbursement claims, and other required documentation. Ensure all records meet federal and state audit standards and are readily accessible for review.

6. Support efforts to identify and recruit eligible sites for CACFP participation. Provide information and guidance to prospective centers on the benefits of the program and the enrollment process. Assist new sites in becoming fully operational within CACFP guidelines.

7. Partner with school leadership to evaluate site-level data and identify strategies for improving meal participation rates, increasing claim accuracy, and promoting healthy, cost-effective food service practices. Contribute to broader organizational goals related to child nutrition, wellness, and regulatory compliance.

8. Will be a member of the Food for Thought Program Committee and ensure health and cost-effective meal planning at our schools.

Cadence Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.