Feeding Forward
A Professional Development Program for Vermont Early Intervention Providers
Building Vermont’s Capacity to Support Young Children with Feeding Challenges
Children with feeding challenges are identified regularly throughout Vermont’s Early Intervention system. This initiative is designed to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence of Vermont’s early intervention providers so children and families receive timely, evidence-informed support wherever they live.
Over the past two years, Vermont’s Early Intervention system, in partnership with CSHN’s Nutrition Network, has implemented a statewide pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) screening process, helping providers identify children with feeding concerns earlier and more consistently. As screening has expanded, providers have identified a need for additional knowledge, practical resources, and specialized clinical expertise to better support families after a child screens positive.
This initiative is the next step in Vermont’s statewide effort to improve identification, evaluation, and treatment of children with feeding challenges. Developed through a partnership between the Early Intervention Project of Vermont and Feeding Matters, this program is designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and confidence of Early Intervention providers while expanding Vermont’s statewide network of feeding specialists.
Feeding Forward Vermont includes two Learning Pathways designed to build feeding knowledge and capacity across Vermont’s Early Intervention system.
Illustration by Forest City Designs
2026-2027 Program
Applications for both Feeding Forward Vermont pathways are now closed.
If you have been accepted into the Foundations Pathway but have not yet completed your registration, please use the registration link provided in your acceptance email to register as soon as possible.
If you were accepted but do not have your registration link, please contact Pam Cummings directly.
The Specialist Pathway is full and registration is complete.
Interested in future Feeding Forward Vermont opportunities? Information about future training will be shared here and through the Early Intervention Project newsletter.
Current Participants
Participating in Feeding Forward Vermont?
Use the pathway information and timelines below to keep track of upcoming learning activities and important dates. Program-specific materials, links, and access information will be shared directly with participants by email and through the Feeding Matters learning platform.
Building Vermont’s Feeding System
1. Build Knowledge
Shared understanding of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD)
2. Build Confidence
Practical tools for supporting children and families in everyday practice in Early Intervention
3. Strengthen Vermont’s Feeding System
A stronger statewide specialist network, peer mentoring, and improved care for children and families
Program At-A-Glance
Hosted by: The Early Intervention Project of Vermont in partnership with Feeding Matters, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to pediatric feeding disorder. For more than 20 years, Feeding Matters has advanced research, education, family-centered care, and workforce development while helping establish internationally recognized diagnostic criteria and advance the framework for pediatric feeding disorder.
Cost: There is no cost for Vermont providers to participate.
Commitment: Each Learning Pathway is designed as a connected learning experience, with participants completing the full series of required learning activities and sessions.
Feeding Forward Vermont Learning Pathways
Both Learning Pathways begin with a shared foundation. Participants then continue on the pathway that best aligns with their professional role and desired level of specialization.
Foundations Pathway
Foundational feeding knowledge and skills for Developmental Educators, Service Coordinators, and other providers supporting young children and families.
Who should attend?
This program provides foundational knowledge and skills for supporting feeding in children from birth to age 3 within Vermont Early Intervention. The curriculum is designed for generalists (Developmental Educators and Service Coordinators) while also welcoming specialists (occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, registered dietitians, physical therapists, and nurses) who prefer a learning experience that is broader and more foundational than the Specialist Learning Pathway. Many of the concepts and strategies also apply across early childhood and may be relevant for providers who serve children with feeding concerns through age 6.
Goals
Learn fundamentals of feeding development and typical variations, recognize common pediatric feeding concerns, support families following a positive feeding screen, implement practical strategies, and determine when to collaborate or refer for additional evaluation or intervention.
Learning Experience
Participants complete a combination of self-paced learning, live virtual discussions, and regional hands-on skills training. Throughout the program, participants explore pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), typical feeding development, family-centered coaching, practical intervention strategies, and Vermont’s coordinated response to children who screen positive for feeding concerns. Learning activities emphasize reflection, discussion, and application to everyday practice.
Participants will:
- Complete an online foundational learning module
- Explore practical resources that can be immediately incorporated into family coaching
- Participate in regional hands-on skills training featuring practical demonstrations, positioning strategies, feeding tools, food texture exploration, and regional subject matter experts
- Apply new knowledge through case-based learning and learn how to respond following a positive feeding screen
Certificates:
Foundations participants who complete all required learning activities and attend all required sessions will receive a certificate of completion for all contact hours. Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists who complete all required learning activities and attend all required sessions will receive 2-3 hours of CEUs from their relevant accrediting organization and a certificate of completion for all contact hours.
Program Timeline:
- Orientation (on-demand) — View at your convenience, available by October 15, 2026
- Independent Learning (on-demand) — Available November 1–December 31, 2026
- Collaborative Learning (live, online)— Choose one:
- January 13, 2027 | 1:00–2:30 PM EST
- January 14, 2027 | 1:00–2:30 PM EST
- Skills Training (in-person) — Choose one:
- February 10, 2027 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | Manchester
- February 18, 2027 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | Colchester
- Reflection and Integration (live, online) — Choose one:
- April 8, 2027 | 1:00-2:30 PM EDT
- April 14, 2027 | 1:00-2:30 PM EDT
Pathway Guide:
Download the Foundations Learning Pathway At-A-Glance
Specialist Pathway
Advanced feeding knowledge and skills for Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Registered Dietitians supporting young children and families
The 2026–2027 Specialist cohort includes 30 Vermont occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and registered dietitians from across the state.
Who is the Specialist Learning Pathway designed for?
The Specialist Learning Pathway is designed for Vermont occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and registered dietitians who provide (or plan to provide) feeding evaluation and intervention for children
Specialist Pathway FAQs
The Foundations Pathway builds shared knowledge about pediatric feeding for professionals across the early intervention system. The Specialist Pathway provides more in-depth learning for OTs, SLPs, and RDs who want to build their capacity to evaluate and provide intervention for young children with feeding challenges.
Clinicians who are not participating in the Specialist Pathway may still participate in Foundations if it fits their role and learning goals.
Based on the strong interest in the 2026–2027 Specialist Pathway, we are exploring the possibility of offering another cohort in the future. No additional cohorts are confirmed at this time. Information about future opportunities will be shared as it becomes available.
Information about future Feeding Forward Vermont training opportunities will be shared on this website and through the Early Intervention Project of Vermont newsletter. You can subscribe to the newsletter using the form below.
At this time, additional Feeding Forward Vermont cohorts have not been confirmed.