Association for Child Development

Establishing healthy eating habits for over 50 years.

ACD CelebrateS 50 Years!

This year marks a monumental milestone for ACD — 50 years of nourishing the futures of children through proper nutrition. For five decades, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that every child has the nourishment they need to thrive, perform in school and develop into a healthy, lifelong learner.

This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past; it's a moment to reflect on the countless lives we’ve impacted and to look forward to a future where no child goes hungry. We want to thank YOU for being a part of this incredible journey.

As we celebrate, we ask for your continued support. Together, we can help ensure that every child has the food they need to grow and succeed. Your donation will allow us to keep expanding our reach, advocate for better policies and strengthen community partnerships. Consider 50 dollars to celebrate 50 years!

Thank you for being with us as we continue to build a future filled with nourishment and opportunity for all.

Donate Now

About ACD

The Association for Child Development (ACD) sponsors the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in Michigan and Illinois. We have been in business for more than 45 years and have extensive experience to assist you with the CACFP. Our mission as a non-profit organization is to educate parents and caregivers about nutrition to promote the development of children and establish healthy eating habits to last a lifetime. Learn about the impact ACD made in 2022.
Leadership
About CACFP
Illinois
Learn more about our in-person and online training opportunities available to parents and providers exclusive to Illinois.
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Michigan
Learn more about our in-person and online training opportunities available to parents and providers exclusive to Michigan.
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Resources
Gain access to training, educational articles, current guides, healthy recipes and a vast library of online and printable resources.
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Our History

1970

Michigan beginnings.

During the 1970s, ACD operated many child care centers throughout Michigan and was the first in the state to offer swimming pools and progressive programs such as infant swimming classes, gymnastics, and leisure activities.
1975

Significant growth.

In 1975, ACD became a non-profit organization.
Congress became aware of the need for separate legislation for licensed child care institutions. The CACFP, which was formerly a part of the Special Food Service Program for Children (SFSPC), thus emerged as a separate program.

The CACFP has undergone many changes since then. Still, its underlying purpose remains the same: to assist child care providers in serving nutritious food to children in their care and to provide nutrition education for their personnel.
1976

Expansion to include Illinois.

In 1976, ACD became a statewide sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Since then, we have grown to include the state of Illinois.
1981

A new focus.

ACD closed the last of its original child care centers in 1981 and now focuses exclusively on providing excellence in customer service and training to the child care providers whom we sponsor to participate in the CACFP.
1970

Michigan beginnings.

During the 1970s, ACD operated many child care centers throughout Michigan and was the first in the state to offer swimming pools and progressive programs such as infant swimming classes, gymnastics, and leisure activities.
1975

Significant growth.

In 1975, ACD became a non-profit organization.
Congress became aware of the need for separate legislation for licensed child care institutions. The CACFP, which was formerly a part of the Special Food Service Program for Children (SFSPC), thus emerged as a separate program.

The CACFP has undergone many changes since then. Still, its underlying purpose remains the same: to assist child care providers in serving nutritious food to children in their care and to provide nutrition education for their personnel.
1976

Expansion to include Illinois.

In 1976, ACD became a statewide sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Since then, we have grown to include the state of Illinois.
1981

A new focus.

ACD closed the last of its original child care centers in 1981 and now focuses exclusively on providing excellence in customer service and training to the child care providers whom we sponsor to participate in the CACFP.