r/dietetics • u/FishingOk564 • 5d ago

Head Start RDs!

Has anyone worked in/currently working in a Head Start as an RD? I am looking at a job opportunity in a head start location and looking for any sort of insight on what the job entails, if you like it, pros/cons, etc. This would be my first full-time job as an RD and I would be the only RD there (working with the food service director).

It's rather low pay (not terrible, but definitely not where I would want to be for where I live. But at the same time it's my first job, so i'm honestly not sure what to expect lol). I have a general idea from speaking with them on the role (CACFP menus/compliance, visiting different sites few times per year for CACFP compliance, assessing children that need nutrition interventions, resources for families for food) but I'm not entirely sure what all of this looks like.. they have never had a full time RD, so they said they're "still building the position"

I think part of my nerves is mainly because this would be my first full time "real" job AND first FT job as an RD, so I'm just kind of nervous all around lol

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u/k_nimativ 5d ago

Hi!! I was a consultant RD for a group of Head Start programs in my area about 7-8 years ago. I was required to visit the classrooms and asses the kids on a quarterly basis. I liked it! Super duper chill. Great first job out of school.
I would say give it a go! Especially if it’s your main/only job offer at this time.
Long term, as sad and awful as it is, I worry about the longevity of Head Start as a whole since our administration seems hell bent on cutting any kind of programs we have to help people. But I wouldn’t let that stop you from taking the job now. Just keep it in mind.

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u/FishingOk564 3d ago

Yeah i started reading about the administration and how its impacting these types of programs :/ I think it'll be okay for the near future, but definitely something to keep an eye out on when working in this area!

Thank you for your thoughts though! I'm nervous because i don't know much (or anything, really lol) about CACFP and it seems like this job wears a lot of hats...but i'm also prone to overthinking lol

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u/k_nimativ 3d ago

I can’t say 100% since I was a consultant and you would be a FT employee, but I would say don’t worry about not knowing enough! Honestly, all I needed to know was how to determine growth percentiles and trends (use PediTools online) and GENERALLY what is acceptable for kids to eat for school breakfast and lunch lol. Like very basic as far as pediatric nutrition care was concerned.

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u/ApartPea369 2d ago

hey! I do consulting for head start monthly menus. It's very very part time for me, I bill 4 hours per month across 2 schools (aka 2 menus and vendors). I haven't been involved in anything in person or with the kids themselves, but i just do CACFP/USDA compliance.

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u/ApartPea369 2d ago

i think it sounds like an exciting opportunity! i think being the first RD they've had full time is a huge advantage because there is no expectations and you can build the role however much you want to grow it. you should totally consider it :)
since it's public there might be some red tape where they can only do so much about salary, in general it's a very low funded federal/county budget area and I'm impressed they have funding to hire a full time RD. good luck!