Page 1

SNAInternship Program

Host Site Application Handbook

Revised: August 2013

School Nutrition Association

120 Waterfront Street, Suite 300, National Harbor, MD 20745

Phone: (301) 686-3100 or (800) 877-8822

Fax: (301) 686-3115

Website:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SNA Internship Program Introduction...... 3

Why SNA’s Internship Program...... 3

Goals and Objectives...... 3

Who Can Be an Internship Host Site...... 3

Host Site Options...... 3

Host Site Selection Process...... 4

How to Submit the Host Site Application...... 4

SNA’s Roles and Responsibilities...... 5

Host Site Responsibilities...... 5

Internship Program Director Requirements...... 5

Intern Requirements...... 5

Host Site Requirements...... 5

Local Education Authority...... 6

State Department...... 8

Institution of Higher Learning...... 10

Industry Partner...... 12

Internship Host Site Application Form Part A...... 14

Internship Host Site Application Checklist Part A - I...... 16

Resources: Learning Experiences and Rotation Schedule Guidelines ...... 18

SNS Exam Content/Knowledge Areas...... 21

Sample Rotation Schedules...... 29

Additional Resources...... 30

© Copyright 2008-2013 by the School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission by the publisher.

SNA’s INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The goal of SNA’s Internship is to provide students with the training and opportunities to pursue a career in the dynamic field of School Nutrition. The Internship Program is based on knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to provide school nutrition services as outlined in the Keys to ExcellenceProgram. There are two tiers to the SNA Internship Program, Option I and Option II.

WHY SNA’s INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?

School Nutrition Association (SNA) research indicates that a shortage of qualified School Nutrition directors is expected in the very near future. SNA’s Internship Program, the first of its kind in the field, has been created totake a proactive approach and encourage the best and brightest to pursue a school nutrition career and to also make internships available to students who have an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. dietetics, hospitality, food service management, etc.).

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

  1. Prepare interns to assume district level/supervisory positions in school nutrition.
  2. Prepare interns who can understand and assess the nutritional needs of diverse populations, especially of school-aged children at risk and of limited income.
  3. Provide an environment in which interns can appreciate and perform the variety of tasks required for operating successful school foodservice programs.
  4. Prepare interns to communicate effectively in interactions with other professionals and stakeholders.
  5. Provide interns the comprehensive experience to sit for the SNS Credentialing Exam.

WHO CAN BE AN INTERNSHIP HOST SITE?

  • Local Education Authority (LEA)
  • State Department (State Department of Education or Agriculture)
  • Industry Partner (Working in K-12 arena)
  • Institution of Higher Learning (College/University/Technical or Culinary Institution)

HOST SITE OPTIONS

There are two options for the internship program host sites. To view the full breakdown of requirements, please review the “Host Site Requirements” on pages 5-13 of this handbook.

HOST SITE SELECTION PROCESS

The Internship Host Site Selection Committee comprised of SNA members, educators, industry leaders and professionals will review this application. Consideration will be given to:

  • Detail and breadth of submitted program of on the job learning experiences and rotations.
  • Host site resources available to internship program.
  • Qualifications of the Internship Program Director.
  • Ability to attract interns to program.
  • Extent of mentor network available to interns.
  • Meeting the Local Education Authority (LEA) Standard Requirement.
  • Human and financial resources.

During the course of the selection process and/or during the program, the Internship Program Director or designee may be contacted via electronic mail or phone. In addition, the Internship Host Site Selection Committee also reserves the right to send a designated SNA representative to the host site at any time, with adequate notice in writing via US mail or via electronic communication.

HOW TO SUBMIT THE HOST SITE APPLICATION

No part of this application may be handwritten. All documents must be submitted in at least 12 point font.

  • Faxed with all required attachments(Part’s A – I)and credit card payment submitted at the same time to:

Attn:SNA InternshipFax: (301) 686-3115

  • Hard copy with all required attachments(Part’s A – I)and check payable to SNA or credit card payment submitted at the same time. Documents should be paper clipped together, no staples or binders and sent to:

School Nutrition Association

Attn: SNA Internship

120 Waterfront Street, Suite 300

National Harbor, MD 20745

SNA’s ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Act as a technical resource for host sites during host site program development and throughout the internship program as needed.
  • Provide the host site with SNS review materials for intern use.
  • Provide the intern with membership in SNA during the term of the internship and access to local, state and national SNA activities and meetings.
  • Periodically report to SNA membership and the child nutrition community on a local, state and national level about the internship program, its progress and success.
  • Work closely with internship host sites to effectively and appropriately recognize their commitment to educating the next generation of school nutrition professionals.
  • Provide evaluation materials to the host site to assess the internship throughout the program period and at the end of each internship program. SNA will work with the host site to develop a set of evaluation forms that correspond with the curriculum and ensure that all core competencies are met.
  • Act as a resource to the host site in the compilation of reference materials for use during the internship.

HOST SITE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Designate an Internship Program Director who is a member in good standing of SNA and is responsible for the program and intern.
  • Develop a dynamic program of on the job learning experiences and rotations that meet the Internship Program Goals & Objectives.
  • Have the financial and human resources to fully support the Internship Program.
  • Provide students with a minimum of 900 operating hours of on the job work/study at a Local Education Authority that meets the LEA Requirements.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DIRECTOR REQUIREMENTS

The host site must have a designated Internship Program Director who is responsible for implementing the internship. The Internship Program Director and mentors who assist and direct interns play a critical as they assume a significant amount of additional responsibilities, especially supervisory duties. At the onset of the internship, the Intern and Internship Program Director will discuss and agree on a rotation schedule and the Program Director should plan to spend two to four hours per week in direct contact with the intern(s).

INTERN REQUIREMENTS

The host site will have the final selection in choosing its intern(s). All verification requirements for the intern to fully participate in the internship program at the host site will be the responsibility of the host site. Internsmust complete 900 rotation hours and planned experiences for successful completion of the program. (NOTE:Completing the 900 rotation hours meets the 1 year Work Experience Requirement to sit for the SNS Credentialing Exam.). Approved Host Sites will receive the Student Application from SNA. Students will complete the application and submit it directly to the host site for review/selection.

HOST SITE REQUIREMENTS

  • Approved host site applications enable the host site to be a designated Internship site for five (5) years.
  • Host sites may decline to participate as a host site in any given year after the first year; pending timely notification of SNA in writing delivered by US Mail.
  • The host site will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, upon acceptance as a host site, to be kept on file with SNA and will be reviewed and updated every year the host site participates in the program.

LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY PAGES 6-7
OPTION I / Met? () / OPTION II / Met? ()
Who can apply?
(Location of 900 rotation hours) / Must be a K-12 school district with SNA’s District of Excellence designation or be willing to complete the Keys to Excellence assessment within 30 days of acceptance as a host site. / Who can apply?
(Location of 900 rotation hours) / Must be a K-12 school district that is part of the national school lunch program, has satisfactorily met the CRE requirements, and has written recommendation from the State Agency
LEA Documentation / Copy of LEA Profile and SNA’s District of Excellence Designation.
*If not DOE submit intent complete the Keys to Excellence assessment within 30 days of acceptance as a host site. / LEA Documentation / -Copy of CRE Results
-Recommendation from the State Agency
Who can be the host site Program Director? / Program Director must be employed by the host site in a capacity other than the business owner (if host site is an industry partner); if not an employee, the host institution provides evidence of adequate control over the program. / Who can be the host site Program Director? / Program Director must be employed by the host site in a capacity other than the business owner (if host site is an industry partner); if not an employee, the host institution provides evidence of adequate control over the program.
Program Director’s Documentation / -Copy of Master’s Degree
-Copy of Current SNS Credential Certificate
-Resume and Job Description / Program Director’s Documentation / -Copy of Current SNS Credential Certificate
-Copy of Current SNA Membership Card
Who can be an intern? / Individuals who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. business, hospitality) / Who can be an intern? / -College Students
1. Completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. business, hospitality)
2. Major: RD/Foodservice Management/Business/
Culinary Arts
OR
-Current Supervisors and Employees
1. Associate’s Degree
2. On the job experiences
Intern’s Documentation / -Copy of Bachelor’s Degree
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States / Intern’s Documentation / -Copy of Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Intern Rotation Requirements / -900 Rotation Hours of on the job learning experiences in full or part-time combination.
-Completed within 12 calendar months at a LEA
-Interns must satisfactorily complete 90% of all rotations to meet the 1 year work experience requirement to sit for the SNS exam.
-Complete curriculum assignments focusing on the Keys: Operations, Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity, Administration,MarketingCommunications. / Intern Rotation Requirements / -900 Rotation Hours of on the job work/study in full or part-time combination.
-Completed within 6-12 calendar months at a LEA
-Complete curriculum assignments focusing on theKeys: Operations, Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity, Administration, Marketing & Communications.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR BOTH OPTION I and II / Met? ()
Please review the Application Checklist
on Page 15 to ensure that all required
materials for Part A - Part I are submitted. / Internship Host Site Application Form Part A
LEA Documentation, Program Director Documentation, Intern Documentation Part B
Organization Chart Part C
Approved Budget Part D
Contingency Plan Part E
Program Planning Process Part F
Evaluation Process, Schedule and Intern Evaluation Form Part G
Program Controls Part H
Learning Experiences & Intern Rotation Requirement Schedule Part I
STATE DEPARTMENT PAGES 8-9
OPTION I / Met? () / OPTION II / Met? ()
Who can apply?
Accreditation Status / State Department of Education and State Department of Agriculture. Submit State Department Licensure. / Who can apply?
Accreditation Status / State Department of Education and State Department of Agriculture. Submit State Department Licensure.
LEA Requirement
(Location of 900 rotation hours) / State Department must collaborate with a K-12 school district that has SNA’s District of Excellence designation or be willing to complete the Keys to Excellence assessmentwithin 30 days of acceptance as a host site. / LEA Requirement
(Location of 900 rotation hours) / State Department must collaborate with a K-12 school district that is part of the national school lunch program, has satisfactorily met the CRE requirements, and has written recommendation from the State Agency
LEA’s Documentation / Copy of LEA Profile and SNA’s District of Excellence Designation.
*If not DOE submit intent to complete the Keys to Excellence assessment within 30 days of acceptance as a host site. / LEA’s Documentation / -Copy of CRE Results
-Recommendation from the State Agency
Who can be the host site Program Director? / Program Director must be employed by the host site in a capacity other than the business owner (if host site is an industry partner); if not an employee, the host institution provides evidence of adequate control over the program. / Who can be the host site Program Director? / Program Director must be employed by the host site in a capacity other than the business owner (if host site is an industry partner); if not an employee, the host institution provides evidence of adequate control over the program.
Program Director’s Documentation / -Copy of Master’s Degree
-Copy of Current SNS Credential Certificate
-Resume and Job Description / Program Director’s Documentation / -Copy of Current SNS Credential Certificate
-Copy of Current SNA Membership Card
Who can be an intern? / Individuals who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. business, hospitality) / Who can be an intern? / -College Students
1. Completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. business, hospitality)
2. Major: RD/Foodservice Management/Business/
Culinary Arts
OR
-Current Supervisors and Employees
1. Associate’s Degree
2. On the job experiences
Intern’s Documentation / -Copy of Bachelor’s Degree
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States / Intern’s Documentation / -Copy of Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Intern Rotation Requirements / -900 Rotation Hours of on the job learning experiences in full or part-time combination.
-Completed within 12 calendar months at a LEA
-Interns must satisfactorily complete 90% of all rotations to meet the 1 year work experience requirement to sit for the SNS exam.
-Complete curriculum assignments focusing on the Keys: Operations, Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity, Administration, Marketing & Communications. / Intern Rotation Requirements / -900 Rotation Hours of on the job work/study in full or part-time combination.
-Completed within 6-12 calendar months at a LEA
-Complete curriculum assignments focusing on the Keys: Operations, Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity, Administration, Marketing & Communications.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR BOTH OPTION I and II / Met? ()
Please review the Application Checklist
on Page 15 to ensure that all required
materials for Part A - Part I are submitted. / Internship Host Site Application Form Part A
Proof of Accreditation Status, LEA Documentation, Program Director Documentation, Intern Documentation Part B
Organization Chart Part C
Approved Budget Part D
Contingency Plan Part E
Program Planning Process Part F
Evaluation Process, Schedule and Intern Evaluation Form Part G
Program Controls Part H
Learning Experiences & Intern Rotation Requirement Schedule Part I
INDUSTRY PARTNER PAGES 10-11
OPTION I / Met? () / OPTION II / Met? ()
Who can apply?
Accreditation Status / Corporation must be publicly held. Submit Corporate Fact Sheet / Who can apply?
Accreditation Status / Corporation working in k-12 arena. Submit Corporate Fact Sheet
LEA Requirement
(Location of 900 rotation hours) / Industry Partner must collaborate with a K-12 school district that has SNA’s District of Excellence designation or be willing to complete the Keys to Excellence assessmentwithin 30 days of acceptance as a host site. / LEA Requirement
(Location of 900 rotation hours) / Industry Partner must collaborate with a K-12 school district that is part of the national school lunch program, has satisfactorily met the CRE requirements, and has written recommendation from the State Agency
LEA’s Documentation / Copy of LEA Profile and SNA’s District of Excellence Designation.
*If not DOE submit intent to complete the Keys to Excellencewithin 30 days of acceptance as a host site. / LEA’s Documentation / -Copy of CRE Results
-Recommendation from the State Agency
Who can be the host site Program Director? / Program Director must be employed by the host site in a capacity other than the business owner (if host site is an industry partner); if not an employee, the host institution provides evidence of adequate control over the program. / Who can be the host site Program Director? / Program Director must be employed by the host site in a capacity other than the business owner (if host site is an industry partner); if not an employee, the host institution provides evidence of adequate control over the program.
Program Director’s Documentation / -Copy of Master’s Degree
-Copy of Current SNS Credential Certificate
-Resume and Job Description / Program Director’s Documentation / -Copy of Current SNS Credential Certificate
-Copy of Current SNA Membership Card
Who can be an intern? / Individuals who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. business, hospitality) / Who can be an intern? / -College Students
1. Completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. business, hospitality)
2. Major: RD/Foodservice Management/Business/
Culinary Arts
OR
-Current Supervisors and Employees
1. Associate’s Degree
2. On the job experiences
Intern’s Documentation / -Copy of Bachelor’s Degree
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States / Intern’s Documentation / -Copy of Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Intern Rotation Requirements / -900 Rotation Hours of on the job learning experiences in full or part-time combination.
-Completed within 12 calendar months at a LEA
-Interns must satisfactorily complete 90% of all rotations to meet the 1 year work experience requirement to sit for the SNS exam.
-Complete curriculum assignments focusing on the Keys: Operations, Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity, Administration, Marketing & Communications. / Intern Rotation Requirements / -900 Rotation Hours of on the job work/study in full or part-time combination.
-Completed within 6-12 calendar months at a LEA
-Complete curriculum assignments focusing on the Keys: Operations, Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity, Administration, Marketing & Communications.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR BOTH OPTION I and II / Met? ()
Please review the Application Checklist
on Page 15 to ensure that all required
materials for Part A - Part I are submitted. / Internship Host Site Application Form Part A
Proof of Accreditation Status, LEA Documentation, Program Director Documentation, Intern Documentation Part B
Organization Chart Part C
Approved Budget Part D
Contingency Plan Part E
Program Planning Process Part F
Evaluation Process, Schedule and Intern Evaluation Form Part G
Program Controls Part H
Learning Experiences & Intern Rotation Requirement Schedule Part I
INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING PAGES 12-13
OPTION I / Met? () / OPTION II / Met? ()
Who can apply?
Accreditation Status / A U.S. regional institutional accredited body for higher education (colleges and universities). / Who can apply?
Accreditation Status / Colleges, Universities, Technical Institution or Culinary Institution.
LEARequirement
(Location of 900 rotation hours) / Institution of Higher Learning must collaborate with a K-12 school district that has SNA’s District of Excellence designation or be willing to complete the Keys to Excellence within 30 days of acceptance as a host site. / LEA Requirement
(Location of 900 rotation hours) / Institution of Higher Learning must collaborate with a K-12 school district that is part of the national school lunch program, has satisfactorily met the CRE requirements, and has written recommendation from the State Agency
LEA’s Documentation / Copy of LEA Profile and SNA’s District of Excellence Designation.
*If not DOE submit intent to complete the Keys to Excellencewithin 30 days of acceptance as a host site. / LEA’s Documentation / -Copy of CRE Results
-Recommendation from the State Agency
Who can be the host site Program Director? / Program Director must be employed by the host site in a capacity other than the business owner (if host site is an industry partner); if not an employee, the host institution provides evidence of adequate control over the program. / Who can be the host site Program Director? / Program Director must be employed by the host site in a capacity other than the business owner (if host site is an industry partner); if not an employee, the host institution provides evidence of adequate control over the program.
Program Director’s Documentation / -Copy of Master’s Degree
-Copy of Current SNS Credential Certificate
-Resume and Job Description / Program Director’s Documentation / -Copy of Current SNS Credential Certificate
-Copy of Current SNA Membership Card
Who can be an intern? / Individuals who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. business, hospitality) / Who can be an intern? / -College Students
1. Completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. business, hospitality)
2. Major: RD/Foodservice Management/Business/
Culinary Arts
OR
-Current Supervisors and Employees
1. Associate’s Degree
2. On the job experiences
Intern’s Documentation / -Copy of Bachelor’s Degree
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States / Intern’s Documentation / -Copy of Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Intern Rotation Requirements / -900 Rotation Hours of on the job learning experiences in full or part-time combination.
-Completed within 12 calendar months at a LEA
-Interns must satisfactorily complete 90% of all rotations to meet the 1 year work experience requirement to sit for the SNS exam.
-Complete curriculum assignments focusing on the Keys: Operations, Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity, Administration, Marketing & Communications. / Intern Rotation Requirements / -900 Rotation Hours of on the job work/study in full or part-time combination.
-Completed within 6-12 calendar months at a LEA
-Complete curriculum assignments focusing on the Keys: Operations, Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity, Administration, Marketing & Communications.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR BOTH OPTION I and II / Met? ()
Please review the Application Checklist
on Page 15 to ensure that all required
materials for Part A - Part I are submitted. / Internship Host Site Application Form Part A
Proof of Accreditation Status, LEA Documentation, Program Director Documentation, Intern Documentation Part B
Organization Chart Part C
Approved Budget Part D
Contingency Plan Part E
Program Planning Process Part F
Evaluation Process, Schedule and Intern Evaluation Form Part G
Program Controls Part H
Learning Experiences & Intern Rotation Requirement Schedule Part I

Part I – Host Site Information