Health/Nutrition Facilitator

EHS HEALTH/NUTRITION FACILITATOR  

Under the supervision and guidance of the Health/Nutrition Coordinator, the EHS Health and Nutrition Facilitators work to implement high-quality health, oral health, and nutrition services to all children, including services to children with disabilities, that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate services.  (HSPPS 1302.40).  

The EHS Health/Nutrition Facilitator assists the Health/Nutrition Coordinator in implementing nutritional services that are culturally and developmentally appropriate, meet the nutritional needs of and accommodate the feeding requirements of each child, including children with special dietary needs and children with disabilities.  (HSPPS 1302.44)

General

• Share culturally linguistically and developmentally appropriate, science-informed information regarding health, oral health, and nutritional needs of children, including appropriate information regarding children with disabilities, with families (HSPPS 1302.46 and HSPPS 1302.44).
• Maintain confidentiality policies and procedures in accordance with HSPPS 1303 Subpart C.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring to ensure the health and safety and nutritional needs of children, including children with disabilities, are met and that any needed improvements are implemented as quickly as possible (HSPPS 1302.40; HSPPS 1302.44; HSPPS 1302.61)
• Assist with the coordination of emergency practice drills and report any incidents on a timely manner (HSPPS 1302.74(4) (7)).
• Provide support to the Health/Nutrition Coordinator in scheduling and taking minutes during the Health and Safety Committee meetings.
• Additional tasks assigned by the administration or the Health/Nutrition Coordinator. 

Health

• Know current pediatric periodicity schedules (EPSTD) and monitor the health database and files to ensure children (birth to five) are receiving the appropriate care (HSPPS 1302.42(b)(i)).
• Assist ERSEA Workers to ensure enrolled children’s health files are accurate and up-to-date in the files and the ChildPlus database to include physical exams, laboratory work, immunizations and dental exams (Head Circumference included).   
• Assist ERSEA Workers to ensure Parent Notification Forms are distributed when health status items are due to expire 30 days before, 15 days previously.  All health reports through ChildPlus. 
• Provide Follow-up in conjunction with the ERSEA Workers the children to receive the appropriate monitoring for Health, Dental, and lab results. 

• In conjunction with the Health/Nutrition Coordinator, organize health screenings for children. 
• In coordination with the primary physician, or specialist, complete the IHP for children who have health problems and need medication in classrooms; keep the Family Service component updated in order to maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation.  
• Ensure that families access health insurance for themselves and their children; ensure families have access to continuous and accessible health care (HSPPS 1302.42(a)).
• Identify uninsured children enrolled in the program and link them to health insurance and/or to necessary medical and dental services (HSPPS 1302.42(b)).
• Assist with the coordination of emergency practice drills (HSPPS 1302.74(4)(7)).
• Attend and take minutes for the Health and Safety Committee (monthly meetings).
• Ensure appropriate oral hygiene procedures are implemented for every enrolled child EHS Program. Dental hygiene practices will vary according to the age and developmental stage of each child. (HSPPS 1302.43) 
• Provide support to the Health/Nutrition Coordinator in maintaining the inventory of the Health Supplies.  

• Identify and form new partnerships in the community in order to enhance the services offered by the Health and nutrition component.  
• Ensure all centers maintain health, medication, and safety records according to program requirements. 

Nutrition

• Continuously monitor the creation and implementation of special menus in collaboration with the Registered Dietician, the Health/Nutrition Coordinator and Disability, teachers and other program staff.  Review reports (ChildPlus) to assist the Registered Dietician with identifying children who need further follow-up or consultation (HSPPS 1302.44)(a)(1)).
• Assist the Health/Nutrition Coordinator, along with the Registered Dietician, to ensure the program uses funds from USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services nutrition programs (HSPPS 1302.44(b))
  1. Monitor staff in the recording of meal counts for breakfast, lunch and snack, including baby food. 
  2. Collect meal count reports from Cook Aides, and the enrollment roster and attendance from ERSEA Workers and monitor for accuracy.
  3. Review USDA binders from each center on a month basis, to ensure proper and accurate documentation of meals for each enrolled child.
  4. Participate and assist the Health/Nutrition Coordinator with USDA site reviews on each meal as required by local program procedures (HSPPS 1302.44(b)).
• Monitor the provision of food to ensure there is minimal substitutions and remedy concerns as needed. 
• Monitor staff to ensure bottle-fed infants are never laid down to sleep with a bottle (HSPPS 1302.44(a)(2)(v)).
• Monitor staff to serve all children in the morning who have not received breakfast upon arrival at the program a nourishing breakfast (regardless of time of arrival) (HSPPS 1302.44(a)(2)(iv). 
• Assist the Health/Nutrition Coordinator to create the order of substitutions based on the menu of children with special menus include children with formulas (HSPPS 1302.44(a)(iv)) 
• In case children have special menus create IHP in conjunction with the primary doctor, specialist and parents to attach the file and Child plus and Update every year. (HSPPS 1302.44(a)(2)(vii))

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Knowledge in Head Start Performance Standards in relation to Health and Nutrition Services and regulations with emphasis on Early Hear start age. 
• Training in Medication administration in classroom. 
• Training in USDA procedures for Child Care Food Program and Nutrition Training.
• Knowledge in Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards in relation to Nutrition Services and regulations.

Qualifications/Requirements

• High School or GED
• Able to stand or sit for extended periods
• Able to lift 40 pounds