Below is a list of roles from USDA regulations & guidance for adults in supporting the management of students’ unique needs. Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list. 

 

Parents/Guardians

• Have a Medical Statement for Students with Unique Mealtime Needs for School Meals  form completed by a recognized medical authority for any student unable to eat regular meals due to a disability (form can be obtained from school Nurse, Child Nutrition, or on-line)

• Submit a meal modification Medical Statement to the school Nurse

• Allow the school adequate time to implement the changes (typically 2 weeks).

• Provide the food substitutions until the modified diet changes are made by the school

 

School Nurses

• Serve as school contact for parents regarding modified diets

• Provide a copy of the completed Medical Statement form to the cafeteria manager, Child Nutrition dietitian, and, as indicated, the classroom teacher and Exceptional Children's Program Facilitator or 504 Coordinator

• Develop an Individual Health Plan to address modified dietary needs if there is no IEP or 504 plan that addresses the need

 

Child Nutrition Staff

• Dietitian - Plan for food substitutions

• Cafeteria staff - Prepare and serve food (preparation to plate)

 

All School Staff

• Read information on use of microwaves and acceptable food in the classroom

 

Trained School Staff

• Assist with feeding as necessary (plate to mouth)

• Report any feeding concerns to parent/guardian

• Ensure that students have access to eating in the cafeteria, the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

**Please note that eating in the classroom is not LRE**

 

OT/PT/SLP

• Assist with the oral phase of swallowing (for example: seating and positioning, adaptive equipment, chewing and bolus preparation and oral transit, and staff and parent training as appropriate)

***Please Note - Pharyngeal transit and esophageal transit issues are addressed outside of the school setting***