PurposeTo provide nutrition expertise, ongoing guidance, consultation, in-service training, and evaluation in implementing the Child Inc Agency nutrition program. To comply with Head, Start Program Performance Standards, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, and State of Texas licensing requirements that includes Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
ResponsibilitiesProvide training and technical assistance to staff responsible for the implementation of nutrition services in assessing the nutritional status of children. This includes nutrition consultation and appropriate follow up for children above the 85th as well as the 95th percentiles, children whose BMI is below the 5th percentile and will review action plans from healthcare provider and provide ongoing consultation.Assist in the development of the Community Nutrition Needs Assessment.Review and approve menus to ensure that menus meet Head Start Program Performance Standards, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, State of Texas CACFP guidelines and State of Texas licensing requirements. This includes providing low fat milk for children over two years of age, a source of whole grain served daily, along with one serving of fruit and two servings of different vegetable for lunch.Provide training for staff in health/nutrition related topics.Provide training for parents in food safety, preparation, shopping for food on a budget and other nutrition related topics.Review and assist in updating the nutrition management plan.Review site nutrition program for Head Start compliance in nutrition services and participate in the self-assessment process.Consult with Head Start staff and parents of children with severe disabilities regarding recommendations to assist children with issues related to chewing, swallowing, and feeding themselves.Collaborate with social services in addressing and working with site to provide appropriate dietary and nutrition services for children with disabilities.Consult with Head Start Staff to promote the role of nutrition for effective healthy oral hygiene for all children.Review documentation to ensure that agency has CACFP contract.Nutrition Services must be supported by staff or consultants who have proof they are currently registered dietitians or nutritionists as follows, as stated by the Head Start Performance Standards:
- Possess a current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutritionists and Dietetics (RDN).
- State of Texas Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN).
- Other Terms
- Must abide by the Head Start/Early Head Start/EHS CCP Program, the Head Start Performance Standards, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements, the State and City Licensing requirements.
- Must obtain a physical and TB skin test and must pass all criminal history background checks.
