Training

Colorado Department of Education Professional Development

The School Nutrition Unit offers online, in-person and webinar trainings to increase school nutrition professionals’ skills and knowledge in operating child nutrition programs. These trainings provide USDA Professional Standards hours and count as Continuing Education Units (CEU) for the School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) Credential. Please contact, Alicia Grove, at grove_a@cde.state.co.us or 720-795-2038, for questions about School Nutrition training offerings and any accessibility needs.

I Am Looking For:

Online Trainings

On demand professional development opportunities

These resources are self-paced and can include online learning modules, archived webinar recordings, and more. They are also mobile accessible.

In Person Trainings

Upcoming professional development opportunities

These opportunities are scheduled in-person trainings hosted by CDE School Nutrition.

Upcoming Webinars

On the Menu Monthly Calls

Upcoming dates- Jan. 28 and Feb. 25

Held the last Thursday of each month from 2-3 p.m. MST
The same registration link is used for each call. Either register in advance or click this link to join the call.
Topics are determined monthly based on School Food Authority/sponsor requests
Complete this online form to submit topics for discussion

Verification Collection Report (VCR) Webinar

Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 2-3 p.m. MST
Register here
If you are responsible for completing and submitting the VCR for your district, please attend this webinar. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is revised regulation surrounding the VCR. For questions, please contact free&reducedpriceschoolmeals@cde.state.co.us.

Recorded Webinars

School year 2020-2021 SFSP Webinar Recordings
School Meal Eligibility Webinar Recordings
On the Menu Call
- October On the Menu Call Recording: Participants learn about menu planning, procurement, and the FY20 USDA Equipment Grant Application
  - Recorded on Oct. 29, 2020
- November On the Menu Call Recording: Participants learn about serving multiple meals at a time, back-up plan options, and reimbursement and meal count report
  - Recorded on Nov. 19, 2020.
  - November On the Menu Call- PowerPoint and Presenter Notes (PPT)

Colorado School Nutrition Unit and Nourish Colorado Meal Quality Trainings
- Meal Quality Training #1: Participants review food safety during COVID-19, identify and build communication and marketing strategies, and learn new ways to set teams up for success through partnerships, equipment, and meal prep ideas
  - Recorded on Sept. 30, 2020
  - Click here to download the training certificate
- Meal Quality Training #2: Participants learn to evaluate varying presentation techniques, ideas for special diets, and best practices to efficiently assemble meals
  - Recorded on Dec. 2, 2020
  - Click here to download the training certificate
October 1 Count/Free Lunch Webinar Recording
- Participants learn about October count submission and the importance of reporting free lunch eligibility accurately.
  - Recorded on Sept. 16, 2020.
Community Innovation in Summer Meals Grant
- Participants learn about application instructions including how to apply.
  - Recorded on Mar. 10, 2020.

Please contact Alicia Grove for mobile-friendly versions of the recorded webinars.

At-A-Glance Training Calendar

Download the School Nutrition At-A-Glance Training Schedule for School Year 2019-20. This document includes a monthly training schedule, brief training descriptions, and upcoming training dates. Please note that training times and locations are subject to change.

Training Requests

CDE School Nutrition offers training and technical assistance outside of announced and regional trainings. Complete and submit the Training and Technical Assistance Request Form and School Nutrition staff will follow-up with your request.

STAY INFORMED: Visit CDE’s COVID-19 Resources for Schools page