The purpose of attending school is to receive an education.  An education includes not only academics, but extracurricular activities, peer relationships, etc.

In the DOE, our obligation is to ensure that students are safely nourished and hydrated so that they can access and participate in their education. 

For students who have swallowing issues (g-tube fed), here are the steps:

1. Doctor's prescription is required for oral feeding.  

2. 2.  Parent Input on Mealtime form should be completed.  The parent should also be invited to show school staff how he/she safely feeds his/her child.  The parent should be video recorded and the recording kept with the Mealtime Plan.  This will enable any substitute to view the recording and safely feed the student. 

3. Complete the Mealtime Plan.  Keep the plan and the video recording of the parent in an accessible location similar to where Emergency Action Plans are kept

Mealtimes are about much more than nourishment and hydration.  For most of us, the priority for mealtime is socialization.  A student with a g-tube should be allowed to sit at the lunch table to participate in those social interactions. 

Swallowing different textures of foods is not educationally relevant.  Learning to swallow different food textures may be necessary to transitioning to oral eating, but because it is not educationally relevant, it is generally not the responsibility of the DOE.  

Speech-Language Providers: Remember our focus is improving language and literacy.

Feeding Therapy is not something schools provide and is considered a medical intervention by a medical professional.

Reminders: Related Services Documentation