Nutrition & Food Coordinator

Nutrition & Food Coordinator

Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

The Nutrition & Food Coordinator is responsible for complying with Head Start Performance Standards to promote each child's wellness by providing nutritional services that supplement and compliment those of the home and community, ensuring the health and well-being of children served in the program.

Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young children's inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.

Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.

What You'll Do:

• Reviews each child's nutritional needs assessment (documentation and complete observation) within 90 days of child's entry; recommends and refers for appropriate course of action.
• Reviews nutritional and health information for "Returning Children" minimum of one time during the program year; addresses individual needs as identified.
• Provides support, resources and if applicable, a plan of action upon receiving a Health/Nutritional internal referral for nutritional related issues/concerns.
• Supports education staff in implementing nutritional activities that are incorporated into the classroom.
• Provides individual and/or group nutritional counseling to families as requested or based on assessments.
• Develops, reviews, modifies, and evaluates menus to ensure the meal program meets the nutritional needs and individual nutritional needs of each child are met; menus will be reflective of cultural preferences and broaden each child's food experience.
• Provides input to purchasing practices and makes recommendations for maximizing the use of funds available for food service; attends and has active role in food services meetings.
• Works with the Leadership Team in the implementation of nutritional components into the program.
• Participates in the Health Services Advisory Committee.
• Performs CACFP Self-Monitoring reviews as required.
• Notifies Food Service Manager / Director of Operations of any Safety or health issues or concerns.
• Ensures that standardized recipes are followed, and appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served in accordance with the CACFP meal requirements.
• Monitors the acceptance of menu items by children in the program and makes recommendations for menu changes accordingly.
• Solicits menu ideas from Head Start families to ensure that the menu is reflective of local culture and that menu items are familiar to children in addition to offering new foods for children and families to try.
• Acts as a resource and a team member with program staff to plan food-related experiences and presented in a manner that facilitates family style meal services for children and classroom staff in a Head Start Classroom and individual needs are met for infants and toddlers.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition or related field.
• Health Department CACFP preferred.
• Maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
• Must have a valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation.
• How Much: This position pays $61,679 annually.

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

• A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families
• A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being
• Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $800 annually
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 4% company match and immediate vesting
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
• Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support
• Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks
• If you're ready to take on a challenge that matters and lead growth in a company where purpose and values drive every decision, apply now to join our team. Together, we'll help every child reach their fullest potential!
• Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning? - Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve - Career growth and professional development opportunities - Supportive working environment - Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment - Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.