Under the direction of the Head Start Program’s Program Specialist for Early Intervening Services, the Early Head Start / Head Start Mental Health Consultant responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following services and activities related to the provision of mental health services support for preschool children and their families: • Conduct overall classroom observations and provide interventions to help children be successful in their learning environment. • Provide consultation for families and staff. • Assist the staff in adhering to federal regulations, support the monitoring, recording, and tracking system for children exhibiting challenging behaviors in a way that is compatible with the Head Start Federal Performance Standards and LBUSD procedures. • Participate in appropriate observation, consultation, and case management of children with identified and/or suspected special needs and challenging behaviors. • Provide individual supports to children and staff. • Will assist in linking families and children to outside agencies, as needed, collaborate with Part C, LEA, and community agencies on services provided to children with special needs and challenging behaviors. • Attend and participate in routine disabilities and mental health meetings, and case management meetings with Head Start management, outside agencies and staff. • Assist in the development and delivery of training and technical assistance for staff and parents on topics related to mental health wellness, self-care, parent workshops, and social and emotional development. • Assist in the effective transition of special needs children into Head Start (or next placement) consistent with program, state and federal policies/guidelines. • Consultant will assist in providing appropriate trainings to Head Start & Early Head Start staff during staff development opportunities via virtual or in person trainings. Under the direction of the Health & Safety Manager, the Head Start/EHS Registered Dietitian responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following services and activities related to the provision of nutrition support for preschool children and their families: • Evaluate and monitor children with nutrition-related concerns • Provide consultations for families and staff • Conduct observations of children that may have nutrition or feeding related issues • Educate parents of children with nutrition-related concerns • Develop, organize, and teach workshops for families with overweight children • Develop and conduct nutrition workshops for staff and parents • Develop nutrition resources for staff • Follow-up and monitor children with food allergies/restrictions • Prepare monthly program menus • Prepare monthly menus for children with specific nutritional needs, i.e. vegetarian, diabetic, etc. • Conduct safety and sanitation inspections
