The Certificate in Excellence
in Child Nutrition Program

The John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition offers an exceptional leadership opportunity for school nutrition programs in Massachusetts. The goal of this highly acclaimed five-course program is to increase the knowledge and skills of directors and senior management in school nutrition programs in Massachusetts.

The Certificate in Excellence in Child Nutrition Program advances the knowledge and skills of the school nutrition professional to:

• Lead the school district in the First Lady’s Let’s Move initiative and join the USDA HealthierUS School Challenge
• Apply the changing nutrition standards to improve the school nutrition environment
• Meet the financial challenges of a self-supporting school nutrition program
• Evaluate and implement the emerging trends in school nutrition programs

Program Description
The program includes five undergraduate courses offered through Framingham State University (FSU), designed specifically for directors of school nutrition programs and managers who wish to advance in their school nutrition careers. Curriculum is based upon competencies identified by national research conducted by the National Food Service Managment Institute and is designed to assure that directors and managers have the knowledge and skills necessary to support nutrition and education goals. Projects emphasize the USDA HealthierUS School Challenge and the School Nutrition Association Keys to Excellence.

Courses in the program will utilize a blended learning environment. This includes face-to-face Saturday classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at FSU combined with ten online conferencing classes scheduled on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each semester.

Admission Requirements
A high school diploma or GED and current employment in a school food program in Massachusetts.

Curriculum
(Note: course titles link to the course descriptions.)

NUTR 616   Nutrition and Child Nutrition Programs
NUTR 617   Food Service Systems in Child Nutrition Programs
NUTR 618   Management of Child Nutrition Programs
NUTR 619   Educational Theory and Applications for School Nutrition Professionals
NUTR 620   Computer Applications in School Food Services

Courses may be used towards the Liberal Studies Program at FSU and possibly degree programs at other universities. Each course is limited to 20 students and provides four undergraduate credits. The program is appropriate for those with or without a bachelor’s degree.

Registration Fees
Registration fees are $899 per course; some courses may require textbooks at an additonal cost. Program costs may increase slightly in future years.