Is an electronic signature legally valid for this attestation?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA laws where adopted, provided the signing satisfies intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements.

When is a handwritten signature required instead?

Handwritten or notarized signatures are only required when a state or sponsor specifically mandates them or when the document falls under statutory exceptions (for example, certain probate instruments). Check sponsor guidance.

How do I correct an error after signing?

Do not alter a signed copy. Instead, prepare and sign a corrected attestation or an amendment that references the original, and submit both documents to the sponsor for replacement and retention.

Does the attestation need notarization or witnesses?

Most CACFP attestations do not require notarization or witnesses unless a sponsor or state rule specifies otherwise; verify with your sponsor or state administering agency if unsure.

How long must completed attestations be kept?

Retain attestations for the program period plus applicable retention windows. Follow IRS guidance (IRC §6501(a)) and HIPAA rules (45 CFR §164.530(j)) where relevant; sponsors may require longer retention.

What supporting documents should accompany the attestation?

Attach items such as licenses, sponsor agreements, enrollment rosters, menus, and income-eligibility documentation when requested to substantiate claims and to satisfy sponsor or audit requests.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Education
CACFP Participation Attestation

CACFP Participation Attestation

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

CACFP Participation Attestation

This Participation Attestation is completed by the authorized representative of the site identified below to affirm participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and to attest to the site’s compliance with applicable program requirements. Misrepresentation, failure to maintain required records, or failure to comply with program requirements may result in denial, termination, fiscal action, or other administrative remedies.

Site Information

Site Name

Site ID: License/Certificate No.:

Site Address

County: State: Phone:

Primary Contact

Contact Phone: Contact Email:

Sponsor / Organization (if applicable)

Sponsor Organization

Sponsor Contact: Sponsor Phone:

Facility Type and Operation

Please select the facility type (select one):
Child Care Center
Family Child Care Home
Adult Day Care Center
At-Risk/After School Program
Emergency Shelter
Other:

Meals Served (check all that apply)

Breakfast Lunch Snack Supper

Days and Hours of Operation

Program Start Date: Program End Date (if applicable):

Enrollment and Capacity

Total Enrolled Participants Age Range Served

Attestations (check each box to indicate agreement)

I attest that this site will comply with all applicable CACFP program requirements and maintain complete and accurate records of meals served, attendance/enrollment, income eligibility documentation (where applicable), menus, and invoices for the period required by program regulations, and that such records will be made available to authorized program representatives upon request.

I attest that meals and program benefits will be provided without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or religion and that civil rights requirements will be observed in outreach, enrollment, and service delivery.

I attest that meal counts submitted for reimbursement will be true and correct and that reimbursement will not be claimed for meals not actually served in accordance with program meal pattern and eligibility requirements.

I attest that authorized monitors and auditors will be provided reasonable access to facilities, staff, records, and meal services for review and monitoring purposes and that corrective actions will be implemented as required.

I attest that required records will be retained for the period required by program regulations and will be made available for audit, review, or investigation, and that I understand fiscal liabilities may arise from failure to retain or produce records.

I attest that staff responsible for meal service and meal counting/claiming will receive required training and instruction necessary to ensure program compliance.

Certification

By signing below I certify, under penalty of perjury and the applicable administrative authorities, that I am an authorized representative of the site named above, that the information provided on this attestation is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and that the site will operate in accordance with CACFP program requirements, applicable state regulations, and fiscal accountability standards. I understand that deliberate falsification of records or failure to comply with program requirements may result in recovery of funds, termination from the program, or other sanctions.

Authorized Representative (print name):

Title / Position:

Organization / Site (if different):

Signature:

Date Signed:

What the CACFP Participation Attestation Is

The CACFP Participation Attestation is a signed statement used by organizations to confirm participation in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and to assert compliance with program eligibility and operating requirements. It typically identifies the sponsor or provider, program site, program type (child care, adult day care, at-risk afterschool), and certifies that meals are served in accordance with CACFP rules. Agencies, sponsoring organizations, and state administering agencies use the attestation to document eligibility, set reporting expectations, and support audits or reviews of benefits and reimbursements.

Why this Attestation Matters for Sponsors and Providers

A clear, correctly completed attestation documents eligibility and supports claim reimbursement, audit readiness, and program integrity under CACFP rules.

Who Completes and Signs This Attestation

Typical filers include CACFP sponsors, child care centers, family day care homes, and adult day care operators.

Child care centers and preschools that operate CACFP meal service under a sponsor or as independent centers
Family child care home operators enrolled with a sponsor or directly with a state agency
Adult day care and at-risk afterschool providers documenting participation and eligibility

The responsible official at the sponsor or provider must complete and sign the attestation according to sponsor policies.

Core Components of a Professional CACFP Participation Attestation

A complete attestation combines site identifiers, program eligibility statements, operational details, and clear signature blocks so sponsors and reviewing authorities can verify participation quickly.

Site Identity

Legal site name, physical address, and CACFP site ID number where applicable; these fields link the attestation to program records and claims.

Sponsor Information

Sponsoring organization name, sponsor ID, and contact information so the state agency can confirm the affiliation and oversight arrangements.

Program Type

Clear selection of program type (e.g., child care center, family day care, adult day care, at-risk) to determine applicable meal pattern and reimbursement rules.

Operational Details

Days and hours of operation, meals served (breakfast/lunch/supper/snack) and expected enrollment or average daily attendance estimates.

Eligibility Statements

Attestations about nonprofit status, licensing, enrollment practices, or income eligibility as required by sponsor or state rules.

Signatures & Dates

Printed name, title, signature of authorized official, and date signed; include space for sponsor review and sponsor signature if required.

Step-by-Step: Complete and Submit the Attestation

Follow these steps to prepare, sign, and route the attestation for sponsor or state review.

01

Gather Documents: Collect site license, sponsor agreement, and current enrollment figures before starting.
02

Complete Form: Fill each required field, verifying site name, IDs, and program type for accuracy.
03

Obtain Signatures: Authorized official signs and dates; sponsor counter-signature if required by policy.
04

Submit: Send to sponsor or state agency via the agreed filing channel for review.

How to Configure an Online Attestation Workflow

Set up an electronic workflow that enforces required fields, collects signatures, and sends copies to stakeholders automatically.

Field	Configuration
Required Fields	Mark site name, site ID, program type, and signature fields as mandatory.
Authentication	Use email verification or SMS code to confirm signer identity.
Routing	Set sequential signing or parallel copies for sponsor and state reviewers.
Notifications	Enable email confirmations and archive completed PDF with audit trail.

Where the Attestation Goes After Signing

Understand the common routing paths so you can deliver the signed attestation to the correct party.

Sponsor Submission: Signed attestation is returned to the sponsoring organization for review and file retention.
State Agency: Sponsor or provider forwards the attestation to the state administering agency when required.
Local Records: Keep a local copy in program records for audit and monitoring purposes.
Audit Package: Attach supporting documents and enrollment rosters when sending for audits.

Digital Signing and File Format Considerations

Use platforms and file formats that preserve an audit trail, timestamp, and an immutable signed copy for program records.

File Formats: PDF or PDF/A preferred for long-term retention.
Integrations: Connectors to Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or CRM systems speed routing and storage.
Authentication: Email, SMS, or multi-factor authentication for signer verification.

Timing: Typical Submission Triggers and Deadlines

Timing requirements vary by sponsor and state; use this list to identify common moments requiring an attestation.

Initial Participation:

Submit an attestation when enrolling a new site with a sponsor or state program.

Annual Renewal:

Many sponsors require a signed attestation during annual re-enrollment or renewals.

Material Changes:

Provide an updated attestation when ownership, location, or program type changes.

Audit Response:

Supply signed attestations and supporting records promptly during monitoring or audit requests.

Sponsor Requests:

Respond to sponsor or state requests for updated attestations within their specified timeframe.

Key Processing Stages from Start to Completion

Track these milestones to monitor progress and identify bottlenecks during attestation processing.

01

Preparation

Compile supporting documents, enrollment data, and site identifiers for the attestation.

02

Completion

Fill required fields, verify entries, and ensure authorized signers are available.

03

Sponsor Review

Sponsor verifies eligibility, countersigns if required, and confirms submission readiness.

04

Filing and Retention

File the signed attestation with sponsor/state and store a retained copy in program records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Attestation

Using an alternate or abbreviated site name that does not match sponsor records, which can delay verification.
Leaving required fields blank or marked optional; missing data can trigger document rejection or follow-up.
Allowing an unauthorized person to sign, creating a gap in chain-of-authority and risk during an audit.
Failing to attach required supporting documents, such as license copies, sponsor agreements, or enrollment lists.

Consequences of Incorrect or Missing Attestations

Funding Denial: Claims may be denied until corrected documentation is provided.

Repayment: Disallowed claims can trigger repayment obligations to the program.

Administrative Sanctions: Sponsors or providers may face corrective action or increased monitoring.

Audit Findings: Missing attestations increase the likelihood of adverse audit findings.

Contract Impact: Sponsor agreements can be affected, including suspension of participation.

Reputational Risk: Persistent noncompliance may harm relationships with stakeholders and funders.

Security and Compliance Considerations for Attestations

Transport Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3

Data at Rest: AES-256 encryption

Audit Trail: Timestamps and action logs retained

Regulatory Standards: ESIGN and UETA compliance

HIPAA Support: BAA available where PHI applies

Access Controls: Role-based permissions and SSO

Supporting Documents and Export Options

Collect common supporting documents and use export formats that preserve signatures and audit trails for long-term retention.

Supporting Documents

Common attachments include state licenses, sponsor agreements, enrollment rosters, and menus. Keep originals or certified copies as required by sponsor or state rules.

Export Formats

Export completed attestations as PDF or PDF/A to preserve visual layout and include an embedded audit trail for verification.

Audit Record

Include a certificate of completion showing signer identity, IP address, and timestamps to support future monitoring or audits.

Local Copies

Retain a local signed copy in your records and provide copies to sponsors and state administrators per policy.

Representative Use Cases for the Attestation

Two practical scenarios show how providers and sponsors use the attestation in routine operations and audits.

Family Day Care Example

A family day care submits the attestation when joining a sponsor to begin CACFP claims.

The sponsor verifies eligibility, site ID, and meal types served.
The signed attestation is retained with enrollment rosters and menus to support future monitoring and reimbursement.

Adult Day Care Sponsor Example

An adult day care provider completes an attestation during annual re-enrollment with a public sponsor.

The sponsor confirms licensing and attendance figures before countersigning.
The document and attached documentation are included in the sponsor’s audit package and stored per retention policy.

eSignature Solution Pricing Comparison for Attestation Workflows

Common vendor pricing and feature availability for eSignature services used to complete and manage attestations; signNow is listed first per comparison format.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/yr	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common questions about legal validity, signatures, corrections, retention, and electronic submission for CACFP attestations.

Need help? Contact support

Is an electronic signature legally valid for this attestation?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA laws where adopted, provided the signing satisfies intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements.
When is a handwritten signature required instead?
Handwritten or notarized signatures are only required when a state or sponsor specifically mandates them or when the document falls under statutory exceptions (for example, certain probate instruments). Check sponsor guidance.
How do I correct an error after signing?
Do not alter a signed copy. Instead, prepare and sign a corrected attestation or an amendment that references the original, and submit both documents to the sponsor for replacement and retention.
Does the attestation need notarization or witnesses?
Most CACFP attestations do not require notarization or witnesses unless a sponsor or state rule specifies otherwise; verify with your sponsor or state administering agency if unsure.
How long must completed attestations be kept?
Retain attestations for the program period plus applicable retention windows. Follow IRS guidance (IRC §6501(a)) and HIPAA rules (45 CFR §164.530(j)) where relevant; sponsors may require longer retention.
What supporting documents should accompany the attestation?
Attach items such as licenses, sponsor agreements, enrollment rosters, menus, and income-eligibility documentation when requested to substantiate claims and to satisfy sponsor or audit requests.

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