Nutrition Specialist

Supports the Early Head Start program by planning, administering, and overseeing Nutrition services and ensuring services are delivered to children and families in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  Participates with other area specialists in the screening process for children to identify children who may have nutritional concerns. Reviews screening results and may refer children to nutrition professionals. Utilizes data for the purpose of referring and monitoring children’s progress. Ensures screenings for this service area are completed in the required time frame. Monitors and assists staff with addressing children with special nutritional needs and provides technical assistance as needed. Maintains documentation on children with special diets by reviewing intake forms. Conducts classroom visits to observe compliance of the nutrition activities and provides onsite assistance to staff and families. Documents classroom observations and submits classroom reports to Coordinators, Site Supervisor, and Director. Follows up to ensure recommendations are implemented and communicates results to all applicable staff. Completes monthly meal count and attendance reports and submits to the 4C Food Program in a timely manner. Communicates with food catering vendors and school districts to resolve concerns related to contract compliance and daily operational activity. Assists in maintaining the food service contracts. Works with Coordinator in designing, conducting, or arranging for nutrition trainings for families. Counsels families concerning specific nutritional needs and may refer to a local nutrition professional. Tracks progress of children and follows up in a timely manner. Plans, conducts, and/or arranges nutrition training for staff. Assures the nutrition services follow the USDA Child Care Food Program requirements and that the program meets recommended dietary allowances. Ensures menus are distributed to all families. Purchases and provides food for monthly nutrition activities. Provides guidance to teaching staff in the development and implementation of nutrition lesson plans. Assists the Education Specialist with the preparation and expenditure of budget items. Monitors, follows up, and inputs heights and weights into ChildPlus. Submits growth charts to nutrition consultant for review.