Professional Standards for school nutrition professionals is a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). The final rule, published March 2, 2015, requires a minimum amount of annual training hours for all state directors of school nutrition programs, state director of distributing agencies, school nutrition program directors, managers, and staff. Required training topic areas will vary according to position and job requirements. There are also minimum hiring standards for new state directors of school nutrition programs, state directors of distributing agencies that oversee USDA Foods, and school nutrition program directors.
In developing the final professional standards, USDA considered input from a variety of sources, including representatives from state agencies, school districts, and school nutrition professional associations. FNS carefully reviewed all public comments and listened to the concerns of stakeholders.
The final rule eases hiring options for small school districts; adds hiring options that emphasize program experience; reduces the required annual training hours for all SFA personnel; phases in the training requirements in school year 2015-2016; and adds other practical flexibilities for the first year of implementation. The rule is effective beginning July 1, 2015.
Regulation
- Final Rule: Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
- Correction to Final Rule
- Final Rule Summary flyer
- Proposed Rule: Hiring Flexibility Under Professional Standards
Training
- Training Tracker Tool
-- Now Available! The Web-based Professional Standards Training Tracker 2.0
-- Webinar, June 6, 2018- Professional Standards Training Tracker Tool 2.0: Enhancements for Training Tracking Success!
-- Team Up Thursday Webinar – Nov. 16, 2017 – Team up for Professional Standards Resources
-- If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact cnpntab@fns.usda.gov
Technical Assistance and Guidance Materials
- SNA Webinar: Navigating Professional Standards
- Frequently Asked Questions (SP 38-2016)
- Final Rule Summary flyer
- Job Description Template for CNP Director (ICN)