communication, ordering, and scheduling can prepare high-performing staff to step into new roles confidently. Mentorship programs are also gaining traction as a supplement to formal training. Pairing new hires with experienced staff provides real-time support and helps new team members feel more connected to the mission. Training becomes more than content delivery in districts where peer learning is encouraged: it becomes a shared investment in program success. Professional development is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Training best suits the team’s needs, the district’s size, and the program’s goals. Some districts use in-person culinary workshops to boost scratch cooking techniques. Others rely on online learning for flexibility and consistency across multiple sites. What matters most is that training is relevant, accessible, and aligned with the broader goal of strengthening the workforce. The programs that do this well understand that staff investment is more than a retention tactic. It is a reflection of program values. Team members feel recognized, respected, and prepared when supported through high-quality training. Furthermore, when school nutrition professionals feel prepared, the quality of meals, service, and teamwork improves. Intentional professional development is more critical than ever, with school nutrition programs expected to do more with less. Budgets are tight, staffing remains challenging, and expectations from families, administrators, and students continue to evolve. Even with these constraints, programs can choose to prioritize growth. Supporting professional development does not always require a significant investment. Sometimes, it starts with a simple shift in mindset from compliance to career building. Within our field, we have new opportunities to define what it means to grow in school nutrition—not just vertically, but in skills, confidence, and impact. We can use training to recognize the value of this work and the people who do it daily. When school nutrition professionals can stay, grow, and lead, we strengthen more than just our teams. Together, we strengthen the future of child nutrition.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FROM ICN
ICN’s online course system, iLearn, provides FREE, self- paced, online learning for child nutrition professionals at every skill level. Courses are organized to align with USDA’s Professional Standard Codes and SNA Key Areas, allowing users to find what is needed to complete their goals and providing an excellent method of meeting professional standards requirements. Webinars on iLearn: iLearn hosts live monthly webinars on topics for schools, culinary skills, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Recordings of previous webinars are also available on iLearn.
The principal mission of CICN is to increase the culinary skills of school nutrition programs by providing culinary training programs and resources to support child nutrition program (CNP) operators to prepare and serve healthy, culinary-inspired meals from scratch and elevate the dining experience.
Using a network of expert trainer consultants, ICN delivers face-to-face training seminars and virtual instructor-led trainings (VILTs) to child nutrition professionals across the country. In addition, ICN conducts pre-conference sessions and other presentations at national, regional, and state conferences. On-site training may be requested at little or no cost. CICN CACFP Culinary Training ICN Face-to-Face Training ICN Virtual Instructor-Led Training (for groups) ICN Virtual Instructor-Led Training (for individuals)
ICN Website
Dr. Danielle Barrett, EdD, RDN | Institute of Child Nutrition Dr. Danielle Barrett serves as an Education and Training Specialist II at the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), the only federally funded national center dedicated to improving child nutrition programs. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) with over a decade of experience in adult learning and public health, she designs evidence-based training and resources for school nutrition professionals. Dr. Barrett is passionate about advancing child nutrition and supporting wellness through innovative, impactful professional development.
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