NYSED Child Nutrition Program Administration Language Access Plan
On August 11, 2000, President William Clinton signed Executive Order No. 13166, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” to clarify Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The purpose of the Executive Order was to “... improve access to federally conducted and federally assisted programs and activities for persons who, as a result of national origin, are limited in their English proficiency ….” Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English can be limited English proficient (“LEP”). Language for LEP persons can be a barrier to accessing important benefits or services, understanding and exercising important rights, complying with applicable responsibilities, or understanding other information provided by Federally funded programs and activities.
Part 154 of the Commissioner's Regulations (8 NYCRR Part 154) holds all school districts accountable for identifying and serving English Language Learners (ELLs). Districts are required to adopt a policy on the education of ELLs, plan and provide appropriate services for them, and evaluate and report their academic achievement. Information relative to NYSED’s ELL services can be found at http://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/english-language-learnermultilingual-learner-regulations-compliance
The New York State Education Department Child Nutrition Program Administration (NYSED CNPA) is committed to improving the accessibility of these programs and activities to eligible beneficiaries and has developed this Language Access Plan applicable to NYSED CNPA’s administration of federal CNPS to promote access to agency services, programs, and activities for persons who have limited English proficiency.
NYSED CNPA assessed the number of ELL students in New York State, the frequency of contact of ELL persons and the school meals programs, the importance of the school meal programs and the resources available. In the 2020-2021 school year, NYSED’s Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages reported that 64.8% of ELLs speak Spanish. Therefore, the NYSED CNPA will provide English and Spanish materials for the public and SFAs.
Below are the Language Assistance Measures Available to NYSED CNPA staff. Language services have been procured and contracted by New York State to ensure accuracy and competency of the services provided.
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Types of language services available:
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Website Translation offered by Google translate
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How to respond to ELL callers: First, assess if NYSED CNPA staff are able to assist the caller. Program staff can assist support staff in communicating responses to the caller. If the language spoken by the caller cannot be addressed by CNPA staff, we will utilize the Language Line Services.
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How to respond to written communications from ELL communicators: First, assess if NYSED CNPA staff are able to assist with the written communication. If the language spoken by the caller cannot be addressed by CNPA staff, we will utilize the NYSED Interpreter Services.
NYSED Language Access Coordinator: Kylie Smith kylie.smith@nysed.gov (518) 473-8781
In order to provide meaningful access to the Child Nutrition Programs, NYSED will ensure that it communicates effectively with the public. NYSED will translate vital documents into Spanish and, when necessary, provide interpreters and translation services as needed. Translated documents will be made available on NYSED’s Child Nutrition website.
NYSED CNPA has staff members who speak languages other than English, including Spanish. These staff members, on an informal and infrequent basis as needed, may provide interpretation services to Spanish-speaking individuals who call NYSED CNPA. NYSED CNPA will utilize Language Line Services as needed.
NYSED CNPA provides a link to the USDA Translated School Meal Application materials in 49 languages.
The Language Access Coordinator will periodically review the Plan and assess the need to make revisions. NYSED CNPA will post this plan on its website. The Plan will be included in the annual staff training on civil rights.
USDA regulations prohibit discrimination in all of its federally assisted and conducted programs. Individuals who believe they have been denied the benefits of the Plan may file a complaint with the Language Access Coordinator. Written, signed complaints must be filed within 180 days of the denial.
