LES Policies/Disclosures

BreastfeedLA has an open admissions policy. Any applicant who is able to benefit from instruction is eligible to enroll in our Lactation Education Program. Prerequisites for the Lactation Education Specialist (Part I) course include a high school diploma or GED and a passion for elevating breastfeeding as a public health strategy to improve disparities in health outcomes. Prerequisite for the Lactation Consultant Education (Part II) is successful completion of (1) BreastfeedLA’s LES Part I course or another comparable 45-hour lactation education training provided in the previous 5 years and (2) successful completion of BFLA’s Lactation Educator Self-Assessment (minimum score of 90%).

BreastfeedLA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

BreastfeedLA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 16435.

Lactation Education Specialist: 54 contact hours

Lactation Consultant Education: 54 contact hours

Lactation Education Specialist $550

Lactation Consultant Education $850

Early Bird Discounts provided regularly.

Successful completion of this course includes:

  • Attendance at all required course dates (45/90hrs total);
  • Participation in class activities including satisfactory demonstration of necessary clinical skills;
  • Thorough completion of all assigned homework within a one year period of course start date.

BreastfeedLA reserves the right to refuse/cancel a registration or event due to low enrollment or other circumstances which would make the registration or event nonviable. Should circumstances arise that result in the postponement of a registration or event, registrants will have the option to either receive a full refund or transfer the registration to the same course at the new future date.

Courses are NON-REFUNDABLE. Credit for future trainings is available under special circumstances until two weeks prior to the event.

In the case of a missed class session, BreastfeedLA allows for one (1) full day make-up session in a future course offering to each student free of charge (verified personal medical circumstances as an exception). Any additional sessions needed will be prorated based on course price.

Please see our Certificate Reprocessing Policy under Seminar and Webinar Events Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Student Grievance Policy is to provide equitable and orderly processes to resolve grievances by students.

Informal Resolution

The student is strongly encouraged to seek informal resolution of a grievance by bringing it to the attention of the relevant individual, administrator or office. An attempt at informal resolution should begin no more than 20 business days after the service or decision is rendered.

Formal Grievance

If the student is unsatisfied with the response, the student may make a formal, written grievance to the Executive Director.

Any formal grievance must be submitted by the student within 40 business days after the service or decision is rendered. The student must state the nature of the grievance and the remedy s/he is seeking and describe any previous attempts to resolve the issue grievance.

The administrator reviews the situation and should provide a written response, including appeal information within 15 days of receiving the complaint, copying the primary faculty involved. Students will be informed if extenuating circumstances require additional time.

Appeal of Formal Grievance Decision

If the student is unsatisfied with the formal grievance decision, the student may appeal in writing to the Board of Directors. Any appeal must be submitted within 20 business days of the transmission of the formal grievance decision. The student must state the nature of the justification for the appeal.

The Board of Directors reviews the grievance and should provide a written response within 15 days of receiving the appeal. This decision is final.

Issue Resolution Policy

BreastfeedLA is committed to open communications with its employees. Even so, misunderstandings of what is expected of people at work can occur. We believe the best way to resolve most issues is first to discuss the matter directly with your supervisor. Most issues can be quickly and satisfactorily resolved between individuals and their supervisors. If the matter is not resolved, or you are not comfortable talking with your supervisor, the following steps may be taken:

1. You may present a written statement of the grievance to the Executive Director as soon as possible after the occurrence giving rise to the grievance. The Executive Director shall promptly acknowledge receipt of the grievance. If your grievance is with the Executive Director, you may submit your written statement to the President of the Board of Directors.

2. If the grievance is not satisfactorily settled in Step 1, (or if the grievance is about the Executive Director, or the President of the Board of Directors) you may appeal in writing to the BreastfeedLA Board of Directors, or its designee(s). We encourage you to do so promptly.

3. The Board of Directors (or its designee) will promptly consider the appeal. The decision of the Board be communicated in writing and is final and binding.

A written record of all decisions arrived at in all grievance procedure meetings shall be kept with the confidential minutes of the Board of Directors in the employee’s personnel record. The record may be inspected by the employee filing the grievance at the employee’s request. The file record containing the confidential minutes is not to be shared for use in any employment decision unless the employee is made aware of such use. All employees should feel free to use the Issue Resolution Procedure without fear of reprisal.