The Health & Nutrition Manager leads and oversees all health, nutrition, and wellness services for the program, ensuring full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), the Head Start Act, and Colorado Child Care Licensing. This role supervises Health Specialists, Nutrition Supervisor, and contracted RN and Dietitian services, while managing all related vendor and food service contracts. The Manager directs the development of health and nutrition plans, policies, and procedures; ensures timely completion of child health requirements; and leads the program’s CACFP application, audits, and compliance systems. Additionally, the Manager coordinates the Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) and strengthens partnerships that support child and family well-being.
Program Leadership & Compliance- Ensure full compliance with HSPPS, Head Start Act, Colorado Child Licensing, and all federal, state, and local health regulations.
- Develop, implement, and maintain the program’s Health and Nutrition Service Plans, including ongoing updates when standards or regulations change.
- Monitor and evaluate health and nutrition operations to maintain program quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Lead development and implementation of health-related policies and procedures, including medication administration, exclusion policies, chronic health condition management, and emergency response.
Team Supervision & Staff Development- Provide supervision, coaching, and performance management for the Health Specialists and Nutrition Teams.
- Oversee the contracted services of Registered Nurses (RN) and Dietitians, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and goals.
- Coordinate staffing, workflow, training needs, and professional development for health and nutrition teams.
- Ensure staff implement high-quality practices for screenings, follow-up, health documentation, family communication, and case management.
Health & Nutrition Services Program Oversight- Oversee timely and accurate completion of all child health requirements, including:
- Medical and dental homes
- Immunizations
- Well-child exams
- Dental exams
- Vision/hearing screenings
- Growth assessments
- Ensure development, review, and implementation of Individual Health Plans (IHPs) for children with chronic health conditions.
- Oversee nutrition services, including menu planning, CACFP alignment, meal modifications, special diets, and growth monitoring.
Child Nutrition Program Leadership (CACFP)- Serve as the lead for the annual CACFP application, renewal, and submission process, ensuring full alignment with USDA requirements and state-level guidance.
- Act as the program’s primary point of contact for all CACFP audits, reviews, and monitoring visits, including preparation of documentation, corrective action responses, and follow-up.
- Oversee collaboration with the Nutrition Supervisor and contracted food vendors to ensure all menus, production records, meal counts, and service practices meet CACFP requirements.
- Ensure proper training for staff on CACFP procedures, meal service, documentation, and compliance expectations.
Contracted Services & Vendor Management- Provide full oversight and management of all health- and nutrition-related contracts, including:
- Registered Nurse
- Registered Dietitian
- Food Services contract
- Milk Services contract
- Coordinate the scope of work, scheduling, and deliverables for the RN and Dietitian.
- Ensure proper documentation, communication, and compliance from both contracted roles.
- Ensure all contracted partners meet Head Start, Colorado Child Licensing, local public health requirements, and program quality expectations.
- Monitor contract performance, service delivery, compliance documentation, and adherence to scopes of work.
- Coordinate renewal processes, contract reviews, corrective actions, and annual vendor evaluations.
- Maintain strong communication with vendors to ensure timely service, safe food practices, and accurate billing.
Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC)- Establish, lead, and maintain a fully functioning Health Services Advisory Committee.
- Recruit members, including medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, and community health professionals.
- Facilitate quarterly meetings, agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.
Data, Monitoring & Reporting- Oversee accurate and timely data entry into COPA.
- Analyze health and nutrition data for compliance, trends, and program decision-making.
- Prepare and present reports for leadership, Policy Council, governing body, and federal monitoring reviews.
Budget & Resource Management- Manage the Health & Nutrition program budget, including tracking, forecasting, and documentation of expenditures.
- Coordinate with fiscal staff to support grant documentation and compliance with Head Start fiscal requirements.
- Support leadership in contract oversight and resource allocation decisions.[SD1]
- Family and Community Engagement
- Ensure families receive education and support in child health, safety, nutrition, and wellness.
- Coordinate with community partners to expand services such as dental programs, immunization clinics, or specialty referrals.
- Support staff in assisting families with accessing needed health or nutrition services.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- Demonstrated expertise in health and nutrition principles, with a deep understanding of child development, community health, and dietary needs of young children.
- Experience managing health and nutrition programs, preferably within early childhood education, Head Start, or similar community-based initiatives, including knowledge of the following standards, regulations, and requirements:
- Head Start Program Performance Standards
- Colorado Child Care Licensing Regulations
- Head Start Act requirements
- Ability to lead, coach, and mentor a diverse team of health specialists, nutritionists, and other staff, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
- Knowledge of Head Start performance standards, child nutrition guidelines, and applicable federal and state health and nutrition policies.
- Skilled in analyzing health and nutrition data, preparing reports, and making evidence-based decisions to improve program outcomes and ensure compliance.
- Ability to manage program budgets effectively, ensuring optimal use of resources for health and nutrition services while staying within allocated financial limits.
- Ability to tailor health and nutrition programs to meet the unique needs of the community served.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively with families, staff, community partners, and external health agencies to achieve program goals.
- Skilled in handling emergencies and unexpected challenges related to health and nutrition issues, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Ongoing engagement with emerging trends in child nutrition, public health, and early childhood development to enhance program effectiveness and personal growth.
Experience: - Minimum of 3 years of experience in health, nutrition, early childhood, or public health programs.
- Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.
Education & Training: Bachelor’s degree in public health, nursing, nutrition, health administration, or related field.
License or Certificate: Valid Colorado Driver's License and Proof of vehicle insurance . A Motor Vehicle record check will be conducted.
Background Check: - Ability to pass multiple criminal backgrounds and Central Registry checks
- A fingerprint check may be conducted
Other: - Must complete physical examination and TB test upon hire
- Exposure to childhood diseases
- Ability to obtain, maintain, and ensure continued access to State and County systems in strict compliance with all applicable county and state regulations, policies, and user agreements.
Physical Requirements:- Ability to travel between sites.
- Ability to lift 30 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to perform onsite health checks and classroom safety observations.
