Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs in the School NutritionPrograms. Guidance for School Food Service Staff

摘要

In recent years, we have seen increasing emphasis on the importance of ensuringthat children with disabilities have the same opportunities as other children to receive an education and education-related benefits, such as school meals. In most cases, children with disabilities can be accommodated with little extra expense or involvement. The nature of the child's disability, the reason the disability prevents the child from eating the regular school meal, and the specific substitutions needed must be specified in a statement signed by a licensed physician. Often, the substitutions can be made relatively easily. There are situations, however, which may require additional equipment or specific technical training and expertise. When these instances occur, it is important that school food service managers and parent(s) be involved at the outset in preparations for the child's entrance into the school. This guidance describes some of the factors which must be considered in the early phases of planning and suggests ways in which the school food service can interact with other responsible parties in the school and the community at large to serve children with disabilities. It presents information on how to handle situations that may arise and offers advice about such issues as funding and liability.