Table 1. School Nutrition Program Director Education and Experience Requirement Rubric Student Enrollment Education Experience 1 – 2,499 students Bachelor’s degree with specific major, OR Bachelor’s degree with any academic major, and a State-recognized certificate, OR Associate’s degree with specific major and at least 1 year of experience, OR High school diploma (or GED) and 3 years of experience For LEAs <500 students: agency has discretion to approve the hiring of a director that has a high school diploma but less than 3 years of experience At 8 hours of food safety training within 5 years prior to the start date, or completed within 30-days of the starting date agency has discretion to require current SFA directors to obtain food safety certification every 5- years 2,500 – 9,999 students Bachelor’s degree with specific major, OR Bachelor’s degree with any academic and a State-recognized certificate; OR Bachelor’s degree with any academic major and at least 2 years of experience, OR Associate’s degree with specific major and at least 2 years of experience At least 8 hours of food safety training within 5 years prior to the start date, or completed within 30-days of the starting date State agency has discretion to require current SFA directors to obtain food safety certification every 5- years 10,000 or more students Bachelor’s degree with specific major, OR Bachelor’s degree with any academic major, and a State-recognized certificate; OR Bachelor’s degree with any academic major and at least 5-year experience in management of programs At least 8 hours of food safety training within 5 years prior to the start date, or completed within 30-days of the starting date State agency has discretion to require current SFA directors to obtain food safety certification every 5- years
Trains staff to use computer technology in individual school sites to improve management techniques. Implements an up-to-date web based data information system for parents, students, staff, administrators, and the community. Applicant Assessment Questions The interview process is critical to select the individual who will fill the SNP Director position. are basic questions all candidates are asked during the interview process; however, digging deeper can reveal critical information about the candidate. In addition to a variety of questions, skill and ability assessments can also be included in the application process. Provide an overview of Child Nutrition regulations pertaining to school foodservice. Provide an overview of the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. How will you relate this to our school nutrition program (SNP)? Are you familiar with, or do you have working knowledge of federal procurement regulations? (Describe your knowledge of federal procurement regulations.) Tell us about your technology background including knowledge of hardware, software, networking. Describe our proficiency with Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook and Point-of-Sale systems. What do you know about the USDA Donated Commodity Food Distribution Program? How does it apply to schools? What experience do you have in developing operational budgets? What elements should be considered when developing a school lunch menu? Describe the components and nutritional requirements of a federally subsidized student breakfast and lunch. Do you have affiliations with any professional associations? Are you certified with the Indiana School Nutrition Association, the Indiana School Business Officials? Any others? Describe a work situation where you successfully improved operational efficiency resulting in a cost savings.
serves on the line, and identifies a reimbursable meal, on a regular/weekly basis, would need to meet the required annual training hours. If a volunteer only monitors the students in the cafeteria and has no job responsibilities/duties, they will not be required to meet training hours because they are not considered program staff. For questions or concerns about this requirement, schools can reach out to the Indiana Department of Education to receive clarification. SOURCE: INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY NUTRITION DIVISION Resources Heathfield. S., (2016, July 24). Top 10 Tips for Hiring the Right Employee. Retrieved from, , retrieved, 8/8/2016. Khan, R., Khan, F., Khan, M. (2011, July). Impact of Training and Development on Organizational Performance, , retrieved, 7/15/2016. The Institute of Child Nutrition, (2015). Job Description Template for CNP Director /Supervisor /Administrator, , retrieved, 8/1/2016. The Institute of Child Nutrition, (2016). Orientation to School Nutrition Management Program Accountability, Integrity, and the Role of the Director, , retrieved, 8/1/2016. USDA. Guide to Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs, retrieved from, , June 15, 2016. USDA. Professional Standards for Child Nutrition Programs, retrieved from, , 7/25/2016.