In more rural areas, one agency may cover several counties. Sometimes these lists may be purchased for a fee. The Food Program is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There may be several sponsors in the same area competing with each other because the sponsor gets paid according to how many providers they serve. A provider can only be served by one sponsor.
Sponsors visit the homes of each provider on their program several times a year.
Sponsors often conduct workshops and publish newsletters. Providers read these newsletters fairly closely because they want to continue receiving the reimbursements. There are thousands of Family Child Care Associations across the country. They often hold monthly meetings and publish newsletters. There may be more than one local association in your area.