Health Coordinator at EducareDC – Washington, District of Columbia

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Educare DC is growing to serve over 350 children from birth to five years – and their families – through our state-of-the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 24-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal childcare funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Health Coordinator is responsible for the areas of child health and nutrition services at Educare DC and all partner sites as outlined in the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Additionally, the Health Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that Educare DC and all partner sites are in accordance with state and local requirements regarding health services and immunization. The Health Coordinator should support the Child Health Specialist staff in coordinating health and nutrition services for families and children. The Health Coordinator will also perform health and nutrition assessments, referrals, sensory screenings, and documentation in child plus.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Assistance and Monitoring
• Provide on-site technical assistance in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Collaborate with nutrition consultant, oral health consultant, medical consultant and hearing and vision consultant to ensure that systems are in place for all programs to support the health needs of children and families.
• Enter all health, immunization, nutrition, and other data pertaining to health and immunization using the Child Plus database for all enrolled children under Educare DC and CCP sites.
• Record and assess the results of the internal monitoring to suggest and implement improvement strategies based on program needs.

Training and Development
• Collaborate with Comprehensive Services Managers (CSM) that training such as CPR, First Aid, and Nutrition is provided as needed for Educare DC staff, partner sites, and parents.
• Remain current on changes in health regulations and health-related best practices.
• Establish collaborative agreements with local health partners within the Washington, DC area.

Health Assessment
• Assess and monitors the health status of enrolled children in all sites.
• Identify (with parents and staff) children's health or safety needs, plans for accommodation and ensure staff are informed and trained as needed (e.g. working with staff and families on an asthma care plan for a child who uses an inhaler).
• Ensure children are not denied enrollment based solely on health care needs or medication requirements.
• Ensure referrals are made as needed and work with school staff on follow-up steps with families.
• Collaborate with CSM to ensure parents are informed of any suspected or identified health or developmental problems and obtain permission for sharing (as needed) the results for all health procedures, referrals and treatment plans.
• Determine each child is up to date on preventive health care (as recommended by State EPSDT- including well-child visits, dental care and immunization) and develop processes for addressing the needs of children who are not up to date.

Nutrition Assessment

• 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.
• Enter all nutrition assessments and other data pertaining to nutrition information collected using the Child Plus database for all enrolled children under Educare DC and partner sites.
• Record and assess results of internal monitoring to suggest and implement improvement strategies based on program needs.
• Work with each CCP site to develop a schedule to ensure CACFP compliance, such as observing mealtimes, point of meal service, and attendance.
Administrative
• Develop and ensure appropriate implementation of procedures for exclusion in the event a child has a contagious illness or a short-term injury that cannot be readily accommodated.
• Ensure all health forms (State and Internal) are in place for use by staff.
• Establish and implement procedures for identifying new and recurring medical, oral health or developmental concerns for appropriate referral and follow up.
• Identify children with food allergies and create a list of children with dietary restrictions & accommodation to post inside the classroom for CCP sites.
• Coordinate with Comprehensive Services Manager (CSM), Child Nutrition Specialist, CCP Site Directors, and Food Service staff in implementing menu substitutes for children with food allergies
• Monitor family style dining to ensure that it is implemented and practiced.
• Work with teaching staff to implement Nutrition Education into the classrooms
• Collaborate with CSM, Child Nutrition Specialist, and teaching staff concerning safe breastfeeding and Infant feeding practices
• Make home visits as needed.
EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES
• At least two (2) years of experience in a health and/or nutrition-related position working directly with children and families preferred.
• Certification on Medication Administration
• Experience working with a multi-disciplinary team in a school setting - Early Childhood/Head Start preferred
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standard and OSSE CACFP licensing requirements.
• 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 health needs
• Use a computer and various software applications

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• Associate 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.
• Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
• A bi-annual physical exam, drug screen, and TB test are required as a condition of continual employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written.
• Be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Must be able to travel.
• Experience working successfully with culturally diverse staff and clients.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• This position may work 40 or more hours per week.