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Policy

Meal counts must be taken at the point-of-service. For family style meal service, the point-of-service is when the participant is seated at a table with the complete reimbursable meal.  

Procedure

  1. The Head Teacher will ensure all children intending to eat are seated at the table. 
  2. The Head Teacher and foodservice staff will ensure all components of the meal are placed on the table. 
  3. The Head Teacher will use the Child Plus App to document the meal for each child seated at the table. 
    1. Open the Child Plus App and review the attendance. 
    2. In the meal section, check the box for the current meal type for each child at the table. Do not select “check all”. 
  4. The Teacher or Aide will review the meal count for accuracy. 
  5. The Head Teacher will use the Child Plus App to document non-participant meals for classroom staff participating in the meal as role models (up to 2 staff per Head Start and 3 staff per Early Head Start). The non–participant meal count must be at the point of service.  Non-program meals (for example- adult family members, siblings, etc) will also be documented using this method on designated day where families are invited to participate with meals.  
    1. Select the “i” icon next to the date. 
    2. Find the section labeled “non-participant meals” and “non-CACFP”.
    3. Record the number of staff. 
    4. Click done.
    5. Repeat at every meal.
  6. The paper meal count form will be used in instances of technical issues. All classrooms will post the paper meal count form as a back–up method for meal counts.  
    1. Review paper attendance for accuracy. 
    2. Mark the total number of children receiving a meal in the date’s box for the meal being served.  
  7. When the last meal is served each month, the meal count form will be submitted to the Regional Office.
  8. The Regional Assistant will review the attendance and meal counts each month.  
  9. The Regional Office will forward the documents to the Food Service Manager. 
  10. The Food Service Manager will ensure that the monthly meal counts are accurately reconciled and reported to CACFP for reimbursement. 
  11. The Food Service Manager will ensure that only reimbursable meals are included in the meal count. 
  12. The Food Service Manager will submit classroom totals to the ODE-CACFP office before the 10th of the month for reimbursement. 

This policy complies with Head Start Performance Standard 45CFR Section 1304.23.
It was approved by Policy Council on October 14, 1997. January 2015. August 2023. April 2024
Updated July 18, 2000. July 24, 2002.July 17, 2003. July 14 ,2004. February 1, 2007. July 2008. March 2010. May 2013. November 2014. July 2023. March 2024

© 1995-2024. Head Start of Lane County. All rights reserved.

REVIEWED: April 2021. July 2023. March 2024