Let’s review each of these steps in more depth:

SD STEP 1

Identify the Serious Deficiency

In Step #1, the sponsoring organization must identify the serious deficiency. This is the “what” of the finding of noncompliance, or what has occurred that violated CACFP regulations and State policy.

This will be the noncompliance that will be referenced in the NSD and in the subsequent steps. 

The sponsoring organization must determine if the noncompliance is an isolated incident or if it rises to the level of serious deficiency.  In making this determination, the sponsoring organization must consider the scope, severity and frequency of the noncompliance. Even though the noncompliance may be a minor error and could be resolved with technical assistance, if it continues to reoccur, it could still lead to a serious deficiency.

EXAMPLES

Examples of serious deficiencies for day care homes include:

Submission of false information on day care home’s application.

Submission of false claims for reimbursement.

Simultaneous participation in CACFP with more than one sponsoring organization.

Noncompliance with the CACFP meal-pattern requirements.

Conduct or conditions that threaten the health or safety of a child(ren) in care or the public health.

Noncompliance with the CACFP meal-pattern requirements.

QUESTIONS

Sponsoring organizations can evaluate noncompliance by asking the following questions:

QUESTION

Does the provider have a history of noncompliance?

QUESTION

Does the noncompliance impact other Program requirements?

QUESTION

Is the noncompliance submission of false information?

QUESTION

Has the provider been convicted of one or more items that constitute a lack of business integrity?

QUESTION

Is this a first time isolated offense, but it was intentional and egregious?

QUESTION

Is the noncompliance repetitive, especially after additional training or technical assistance?

CONTINUE