Child Nutrition Coordinator

The Child Nutrition Coordinator provides the direction and administration of Head Start child nutrition program and USDA CACFP. Assess all enrolled children and families for nutritional needs; review menus and create special diet to accommodate children with dietary needs, coordinate food service operations, develop and oversee nutritional training to staff and parents, through training, monitoring and technical assistance to programs systems and services as outlined in the Head Start Program Performance Standards. The Child Nutrition Coordinator should support staff, parents, Mentor Teachers, School Directors, and Comprehensive Services Managers in coordinating nutrition services for families and children, as well as active promotion and advocacy for children's nutrition. The Child Nutrition Coordinator will also perform nutrition assessments to determine nutritional needs, and document it in child plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Assistance and Monitoring

• Provide onsite technical assistance in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Collaborate, plan nutrition activities, and areas of discussion with Comprehensive Services Manager, Mentor Teacher, and School Director to ensure that systems are in place for all programs to support the nutritional needs of children and families.
• Work with community partners and agencies, National CACFP, and OSSE CACFP to provide resources and nutrition information for children and families in the program.
• Responsible for carrying out goals, policies and activities designed to implement objectives and program standards; update the annual plan in conjunction with the appropriate Head Start Policy Committee
• Enter all nutrition assessments and other data pertaining to nutrition information collected using Child Plus database for all enrolled children under Educare DC and partner sites.
• Record and enter data in OSSE Orchard CACFP for Nutrition Agreement applications and monitoring compliance.
• Record and assess result of the internal monitoring to suggest and implement improvement strategies based on program needs.
• Work with each site to develop a schedule to ensure CACFP compliance, such as observing at mealtimes, point of meal service, and attendance. To work collaboratively with Fiscal Specialist to ensure data and reports are accurate for CACFP meal reimbursement.

Training and Development

• Ensure that Food Handlers training and/or Food Service Managers certification remains compliant with OSSE CACFP and Head Start Program Performance Standard.
• To ensure that staff receives all CACFP required training yearly.
• Remain current on changes in child nutrition regulations and best practices.
• Establish collaborative agreements with local food service and child nutrition partners within the Washington, DC area.

Administrative

• Identify children with food allergies and create individual meal plans to support child’s nutritional needs. Create a list of children with dietary restrictions & accommodation to post inside the classroom.
• Coordinate with Comprehensive Services Manager (CSM) and Food Service staff in implementing menu substitutes for children with food allergies
• Coordinate with CSM in creating individualized menu for children with feeding concerns and/or food allergies
• Monitor family style dining to ensure that it is being implemented and practice.
• Work with teaching staff to implement Nutrition Education into the classrooms
• Collaborate with CSM and teaching staff concerning safe breastfeeding and Infant feeding practices
• Partner with food service staff to ensure substitute meals are identified and given to children as needed
• Make home visits as needed.

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

• At least three (3) years of experience in a child nutritionrelated position working directly with children and families preferred.
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team in a school setting Early Childhood/Head Start preferred
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards
• Knowledge of OSSE CACFP licensing requirements.
• Experience collaborating with families and facilitating collaborative teaming between families, teachers and schoolbased family support staff
• Ability to exercise professional judgment in making decisions
• Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with parents, school personnel and community partners
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the Head Start/Early Head Start childhood population and its unique child nutritional needs
• Use a computer and various software applications

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Health or related field of study, preferred.

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Clearance of background checks as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
• Annual physical exam, drug screen and TB tests, and Covid19 vaccination are required as a condition of continual employment as required by Educare DC, state, and federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written.
• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Must be able to travel.
• Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Experience working successfully with a culturally diverse staff and clients.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• This position may work 40 or more hours per week.

About EducareDC

Educare DC is a leading early childhood education source for preparing children for success in school and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and continuous improvement, the Educare DC work environment is safe, fun and challenging. Come join our team and partner with us to provide the highest quality care and education to families.