The curriculum integrates behavioral science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical clinical practice to promote safe, effective, and individualized feeding interventions.
The curriculum is structured around nine weekly asynchronous modules, supplemented by weekly 90-minute synchronous lectures. These live sessions are designed to cultivate critical thinking, offer real-time Q&A opportunities, and facilitate professional mentorship. Certification is awarded upon successful completion of all required modules and passing of a competency examination. Completion of the program provides all 32 required CEUs, including the necessary ethics and supervision credits.
Program Structure
The certification series is delivered across a structured sequence of modules utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous learning that progresses from foundational knowledge to advanced clinical application.
Modules 1–6: Core training, appropriate for RBT-level providers
Modules 1–9: Advanced training, required for certification
The program culminates in a competency-based examination assessing both conceptual understanding and clinical decision-making.
Modules 1–6 are available as a separate package of PDUs for RBTs utilizing asynchronous-only learning modules.
Certification and Schedule
Certification as a Feeding Intervention Specialist is granted upon successful completion of all modules and passing the competency examination, which remains available for 30 days following course completion.
The program is offered in structured cohorts, such as a fall session from October through December, with weekly modules progressing from foundational concepts to advanced clinical application.
Curriculum Overview
Module 1: Introduction to Feeding Disorders and Intervention
This module provides foundational knowledge regarding pediatric feeding disorders and selective eating. Emphasis is placed on understanding the clinical indications for feeding intervention, including nutritional deficiencies, restrictive eating patterns, sensory aversions, and diagnoses such as ARFID.
Participants will explore:
- The role of feeding intervention in improving nutritional status and mealtime behaviors
- Psychosocial and family impacts of feeding difficulties
- Developmental considerations, including food neophobia
- Prevalence and comorbidity of feeding disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Modules 3 & 4: Feeding Intervention Methodologies
These modules focus on evidence-based behavioral and therapeutic approaches used in feeding intervention.
Key topics include:
- Structured mealtime routines and environmental arrangements
- Sensory hierarchies and systematic desensitization
- Chaining procedures and stimulus fading
- Oral motor facilitation techniques, such as the Beckman model and facilitated mastication
- Use of reinforcement and visual supports to promote engagement
Module 5: Escape Extinction and Treatment Efficacy
This module provides an in-depth examination of gentle escape extinction procedures within feeding therapy, including their empirical support and clinical application.
Participants will:
- Review current research on treatment efficacy
- Learn implementation strategies, including time-limited trials
- Evaluate appropriate use within ethical and patient-centered frameworks
Module 6: Ethics in Feeding Intervention
Ethical practice is emphasized as a core component of feeding therapy.
Topics include:
- Monitoring physiological and behavioral indicators, such as weight changes and distress
- Promoting patient autonomy and assent
- Avoiding harmful or coercive practices
- Incorporating cultural, familial, and environmental considerations
- Establishing appropriate expectations focused on patient well-being
- Seeking ongoing supervision and interdisciplinary consultation
Module 7: Intake and Assessment (Advanced Track)
This module focuses on comprehensive evaluation procedures to determine the need for intervention.
Participants will learn to:
- Interpret medical and developmental histories
- Utilize standardized assessments, such as pediEAT, PARDI, and NIAS
- Conduct caregiver and patient interviews
- Analyze feeding logs and behavioral data
- Identify oral motor, sensory, and behavioral contributors to feeding challenges
Module 8: Treatment Planning and Program Development (Advanced Track)
This module addresses the design and implementation of individualized feeding intervention plans.
Key components include:
- Goal selection and mastery criteria
- Data collection and behavioral tracking systems
- Selection of target foods based on nutritional and developmental appropriateness
- Generalization strategies for home and community settings
- Documentation standards and payer-aligned language
- Dosage titration, maintenance, and outcome evaluation
Module 9: Case Studies and Applied Practice (Advanced Track)
The final module integrates knowledge through applied learning and clinical case analysis.
Participants will:
- Review comprehensive patient cases from intake through discharge
- Analyze feeding assessments and intervention outcomes
- Engage in mock scenarios to develop clinical reasoning
- Interpret behavioral data and identify appropriate interventions
- Evaluate video-based treatment examples for fidelity and effectiveness
Applied Learning and Competency Development
Throughout the program, participants engage in applied exercises, including:
- Scoring standardized assessments
- Interpreting feeding logs and behavioral data
- Identifying functions of feeding refusal
- Selecting and implementing appropriate intervention strategies
This experiential approach ensures that learners are prepared to translate theoretical knowledge into effective clinical practice.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive feeding assessments
- Develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans
- Implement feeding interventions with clinical precision
- Monitor patient progress using data-driven decision-making
- Uphold ethical and patient-centered care standards
