Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCIs)

The CDE School Nutrition Unit works with public institutions called Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCIs) to provide the full benefits of School Nutrition Programs. RCCIs are operated by a federal, state or local government entity. In Colorado, RCCIs are recognized as a facility school by the Colorado Department of Education. 

• Institutions must operate principally for the care of children and include, but are not limited to:
  • Residential and/or day program facilities for individuals with physical or mental disabilities
  • Group homes
  • Halfway houses
  • Orphanages
  • Temporary shelters for abused and/or runaway children
  • Juvenile detention centers

Colorado Department of Education - Office of Facility Schools

USDA Memos

• SP 10-2012 (v.9) Questions and Answers on the Final Rule, "Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs" (August 3, 2018- milk flexibility)
• SP 48-2013 Extending Flexibility for RCCIs in the National School Lunch Program (June 25, 2013)
• SP 38-2012 Residential Child Care Institutions exception for safety if serving multiple age/grade groups (July 16, 2012)

For more information on the administration of School Nutrition Programs in RCCIs, please contact Alicia Grove.