NEW APPLICANTS

Step 1

Determine the level in the Professional Development Plan for which you wish to apply, i.e., Level I through 10. You can apply for any level for which you qualify regardless of your job title.

Area Requirements

Obtain the necessary minimum number of clock hours (see page 18 for explanation of CLOCK VS. CREDIT HOURS) for each Area Requirement for the level you are applying for in the Plan. Clock hours obtained more than five years prior to applying cannot be used on an application. Clock hours exceeding the minimum requirement for any level can be used toward achieving higher levels, if the higher level is applied for within five years.

Example: If you are applying for Level 1 in January 1998, you must use clock hours obtained after January 1993 toward the appropriate Area Requirements. Any clock hours obtained before January 1993 cannot be used toward your requirements on your application. If you wish to advance and apply for Level 3 in March 1999, you can only use clock hours obtained after March 1994 (five year period).

Core Requirements

Initial application in this certification program requires successful completion of the following core requirements:

• Minnesota Fundamentals of School Food and Nutrition I AND One of the following Sanitation and Safety courses:

• Sanitation and Safety

• Serving Safe Food Certification Coursebook

• Managing a Food Safety System

• Serving it Safe: A Manager’s Toolkit

• Applied Foodservice Sanitation

These core requirements will be implemented January I, 1998 for those beginning to earn clock hours towards their initial certification.

Academic Requirements

Academic requirements must be met prior to submitting an application.

Food Service Experience

Food service experience requirements must be met prior to submitting an application.

Step 2

Complete the Application for New Applicants (available in Food Service Office) and mail it to the address listed below. Keep a copy of your application for your records. Send copies (not originals) of the written documentation for each of your individual education and training activities with your application.

Minnesota Department of Education

Food and Nutrition Service

Capitol Square Building

550 Cedar Street

St. Paul, MN 55101

ATTN: Certification Technician

Step 3

Please allow 6-8 weeks for MDE to award your certificate.

APPLICATION PROCESS

LEVEL ADVANCEMENT

Step 1

Determine the level in the Professional Development Plan for which you wish to apply to advance, i. e., Level 2 through 10. You can apply for any level for which you qualify regardless of your job title.

Area Requirements

Obtain the necessary minimum number of clock hours required for the new level. You do not need to repeat clock hours you have already obtained for your current level in the Plan when applying to advance levels. Clock hours exceeding the minimum requirement for any level can be used toward achieving higher levels, if the higher level is applied for within five years. Clock hours can only be used for EITHER renewal OR level advancement.

Example: If you are currently at Level I and are applying for Level 2, you will need 4 more clock hours in Sanitation and Safety, 4 more clock hours in Service/Merchandising, 4 more clock hours in Communications/Human Relations, etc., for a minimum of 32 additional clock hours. These clock hours must have been obtained no more than five years prior to applying for Level 2.

Academic Requirements

Academic requirements must be met prior to advancing your level in the Plan.

Food Service Experience

Food service experience requirements must be met prior to advancing your level in the Plan.

Step 2

Complete the Application for Level Advancement (kept in food service office) and mail it to the address listed below. Keep a copy of your application for your records. Send copies (not originals) of the written documentation for each of your individual education and training activities.

Minnesota Department of Education

Food and Nutrition Service

Capitol Square Building

50Cedar Street

St. Paul, MN55101

ATTN: Certification Technician

Step 3

Please allow 6-8 weeks for MDE to award your certificate.

APPLICATION PROCESS

RENEWAL

Step 1

Obtain the necessary clock hours for renewal requirements after your award date and prior to your renewal deadline. There is a three year renewal period. Award dates include the date of your last awarded certificate OR the date of your last awarded renewal (NOTE: If you were grandparented into the Plan, see page 19 for more information) level is applied for within five years. Clock hours can only be used for EITHER renewal OR level advancement.

Example: If you were certified at Level 1 in January 1998, you will need to obtain 15 clock hours between January 1998 to January 2001 (three year period) for renewal in the Plan.

Clock hours can be obtained from any education and training options listed in the “Education and Training Option Guide”. Two additional options (not listed in the “Guide”) for obtaining renewal clock hours are 1) Initial teaching of approved education and training activities, and 2) Clock hours awarded through professional association journals for reading professional development articles and successfully completing required testing. (Call the Food Service Office for more information)

Step 2

Complete the Application for Renewal and mail it to the address listed below. Keep a copy of your application for your records. Send copies (not originals) of the written documentation for each of your individual education and training activities.

Renewal applications may be submitted anytime prior to your renewal deadline, but must be postmarked no later than your renewal deadline. You will not receive any notice prior to renewal deadline. Future renewal deadlines will be based on your new award date.

Minnesota Department of Education

Food and Nutrition Service

Capitol Square Building

550 Cedar Street

St.Paul, MN 55101

ATTN: Certification Technician

 Step 3

Please allow 6-8 weeks for MDE to award your renewal certificate.

It is a goal of the Food Service Department that all employees will be certified by 1999.