Education Specialist (Nutrition/Safety)



Location: Education Service Center Region 15 San Angelo, TX
Reports To: Program Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Calendar: 12 Months / 234 Days / In Office
**Position Open Until Filled**

Program Purpose:
This position reports directly to the Head Start/Early Head Start Director and is responsible for delivering comprehensive health and nutrition services to children and families. The Education Specialist (Nutrition/Safety) facilitates health and nutrition training and skill development for Head Start/Early Head Start staff, supports families in nutrition services, and ensures compliance with all applicable federal guidelines—specifically the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program, as well as, local Head Start/Early Head Start policies.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Head Start/Early Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, and ESC policies; communicate relevant health, nutrition, and safety requirements to staff, campuses, and committees.
Coordinate comprehensive health and nutrition services for children and families in collaboration with campuses, community partners, healthcare providers, and other service professionals.
Facilitate Nutrition Planning and Health Services Advisory Committee meetings with local healthcare providers and community partners.
Serve as a liaison between the program and Childcare Resources Inc., Region 10 Multi-Regional Purchasing Coop, contracted dietitians, and other support staff to strengthen collaboration and access to resources.
Provide professional development, workshops, in-service training, and technical assistance to staff and families on health, nutrition, safety, CACFP compliance, menu planning, and nutrition education.
Provide on-site technical assistance to Region 15 LEA campuses regarding nutrition services, CACFP compliance, and efficient menu planning; coordinate menu reviews with a registered dietitian and review meal production records for accuracy and required corrections.
Oversee food and nutrition services, including inventory management, food purchasing, and compliance with applicable program requirements.
Prepare, submit, and maintain annual forecasts for Region 10 MRPC and complete other required reports and documentation.
Review infant feeding preference forms and children’s special dietary requirements to ensure meal services accommodate individual nutritional needs.
Conduct individual and group meetings with parents to address children’s health and nutritional needs and promote family engagement.
Monitor daily attendance and meal counts for accuracy and compliance with program procedures.
Conduct on-site health and safety monitoring visits and inspections to assess compliance with applicable standards, policies, and procedures.
Conduct regular safety inspections and audits at least monthly and complete environmental safety checklists for each campus and classroom at least twice annually.
Monitor compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and support safety, sanitation, and fire prevention practices in collaboration with campus administrators and staff.
Identify safety concerns, implement appropriate corrective actions, and obtain vendor quotes for necessary services, supplies, or materials.
Assist with collecting and updating community assessment data and support preparation and completion of the Program Information Report (PIR).
Maintain strong, collaborative relationships through regular campus visits and effective communication with administrators, staff, families, and community partners.
Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current on Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, health and nutrition requirements, and best practices to support continuous program improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Early Head Start/Head Start or the Executive Director.

Experience:
Three years experience in nutrition services for children and schools (preferred)




Bachelor's Degree
Effective and professional communication skills, both written and orally