Nutrition Education Table of Contents Page 1 NE-1: General Guidelines 1. General Guidelines Effective: August 2009 NE-2: Nutrition Education Goals 1. Nutrition Education Goals Effective: August 2009 NE-3: Nutrition Education Plan 1. Annual Nutrition Education Plan Effective: May 2006 NE-4: Certification Visit Education 1. General Guidelines Effective: August 2009 2. Counseling Methods Effective: August 2009 3. WIC Program Explanation for Participants Effective: September 2009 4. High Risk Policy Effective: August 2009 NE-5: Secondary Nutrition Education 1. General Guidelines Effective: August 2009 2. Individual Nutrition Education Contacts Effective: August 2009 3. Group Nutrition Education Effective: August 2009 4. Attendance Logs Effective: May 2006 NE-6: Infant Nutrition Education 1. General Guidelines Effective: May 2006 2. Initial Contact Effective: August 2009 NE-7: Education Materials 1. Teaching Aids Effective: August 2009 NE-8: Department Assistance 1. General Information Effective: January 2007
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 1: General Guidelines Page 1 NE-1: General Guidelines
1. General Guidelines Effective: August 2009
Definition Nutrition Education is the "process by which beliefs, attitudes, environmental influences and understanding about food, breastfeeding and physical activity leads to practices that are scientifically sound, practical, and consistent with individual needs and available resources." Through nutrition education, WIC seeks to extend the benefits of the program beyond the period when the WIC supplemental foods are provided. General Guidelines All nutrition education contacts must be designed to be effective nutrition education interventions. Effective nutrition education should elicit a behavior change that will help the participant achieve and maintain a positive change in dietary, physical activity habits, and breastfeeding habits and practices resulting in improved nutritional status and in the prevention of nutrition- related problems regardless of the delivery medium. Effective nutrition education contacts/interventions should be easily understood by participants and must address the participant’s personal language and cultural preferences, as well as educational and environmental limitations. The most effective WIC nutrition education contacts/interventions should incorporate the following six elements: a) A review of the WIC nutrition assessment to identify the participant’s nutritional risk factors, needs and concerns; b) Messages that engage the participant in setting individual, simple, attainable and desired goals and provide clear, do-able and relevant “how to” actions to accomplish those goals; c) Counseling methods/teaching strategies that are relevant to the participant’s nutritional risk and are easily understood by the participant; d) A delivery medium that creates opportunities for participant interaction and feedback; e) Continuous support through informational/environmental reinforcements; f) Follow-up to assess for behavior change, determine intervention effectiveness and allow for continued interaction. Federal regulations mandate that each participant be provided at least two nutrition education contacts during a six-month certification period (7 CFR 246). Nutrition education is a benefit of the WIC Program, and must be made available to all clients at no cost. Nutrition education must be provided by the local agency staff or through arrangements made with other agencies. If outside agencies are used, Letters of Agreement or MOUs are encouraged.
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 1: General Guidelines Page 2 Nutrition education must also bear a practical relationship to the clients' nutritional needs, household situation (including homeless) and cultural preferences including information on how to purchase food for themselves and their families. Nutrition education must be thoroughly integrated into participant health care plans, the food prescription and other program operations. All local agency staff must display a positive attitude toward long-term benefits of nutrition education, the uniqueness of breastmilk and efficacy of exclusive breastfeeding and encourage the clients to attend and participate in nutrition education activities
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 2: Nutrition Education Goals Page 1 NE-2: Nutrition Education Goals
1. Nutrition Education Goals Effective: August 2009
Nutrition Education in WIC must be designed to achieve the following three broad goals: A. Stress the relationship between proper nutrition, physical activity and health with special emphasis on the nutritional needs of pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age and raise awareness about the dangers of using drugs and other harmful substances including alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy and breastfeeding. B. Assist the individual who is at nutritional risk in achieving a positive change in dietary and physical activity habits, resulting in improved nutritional status and in the prevention of nutrition-related problems through optimal use of the supplemental foods, other nutritious foods and breastfeeding. This is to be taught in the context of the cultural preferences of the participants and with consideration for household situation and educational level of the participant. C. Promote and support exclusive breastfeeding as the standard infant feeding practice. Breastfeeding has been shown to have significant advantages for women and infants. WIC staff should provide women with appropriate and adequate information and support to successfully breastfeed.
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 3: Nutrition Education Plan Page 1 NE-3: Nutrition Education Plan
1. Annual Nutrition Education Plan Effective: May 2006
A Nutrition Education Plan will be submitted to local agencies from the Department annually, including a client satisfaction survey. This is done through the Integrated Plan For Healthy MCH Outcomes. A. Instructions for implementing the plan are provided by the Department. Local agencies are asked to determine community specific methods which are effective in attaining the state goals. B. The local agency’s Nutrition Education Plan is evaluated by a Regional Nutritionist Consultant during the management evaluation and via quarterly outcome reports. C. An annual summary report is due by August 31 to the Regional Nutritionist Consultant.
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 4: Certification Visit Education Page 1 NE-4: Certification Visit Education
1. General Guidelines Effective: August 2009
Individual nutrition counseling is considered to be part of the certification process. A. Counseling must be appropriate to the individual participant’s nutritional needs, including breastfeeding practices. B. Counseling must be provided after completing the nutrition assessment of the client. C. The counseling must not be provided as a written or audio-visual contact alone (e.g., newsletter, pamphlet, video, poster, etc.) D. The counseling must address the cultural and language needs of the individual participant. E. An individual nutrition care plan is developed for clients as determined by the CHP and per client’s request. This will include plans for intervention, follow-up, and referral. 1) For pregnant and breastfeeding clients, the individual nutrition care plan will include plans for dealing with common breastfeeding situations and specific client concerns. 2) Breastfeeding counseling must be provided by staff trained in breastfeeding education, promotion and support. F. If a participant is found to have a high-risk condition, the Certifying Health Professional should follow the action as indicated in the High Risk Criteria-Values/Actions. Addendum - High Risk Criteria - Values Actions
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 4: Certification Visit Education Page 2 2. Counseling Methods Effective: August 2009
A. Using critical thinking skills and professional judgment, CHPs should consider the client’s interests, risks and abilities when developing nutrition education messages. B. Counseling must address the individual's nutritional needs and concerns. C. Effective nutrition counseling should incorporate behavior change methods that address the client's readiness to make change and that facilitate and maintain positive change in their health and nutritional status. There is not one counseling method that fits the needs of all participants. However, the approach must be interactive in order to facilitate behavior change. For pregnant and breastfeeding clients, these questions should include exploring client’s desire to breastfeed, support system, knowledge of breastfeeding and any barriers to successful breastfeeding. Breastfeeding counseling should focus on uncovering and addressing client concerns and developing a plan to facilitate continued exclusive breastfeeding. The client should be engaged in identifying individual goals. D. The following are recommended strategies: 1) Motivational Interviewing - Motivational interviewing is a directive (focused and goal directed), client-centered method for facilitating behavior change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Key concepts involve, expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, agenda setting and supporting self-efficacy. 2) 0-10 Scale of Self-Efficacy - The 0-10 Scale of Self-Efficacy is a tool for helping the CHP assess client’s level of confidence (self-efficacy) in adopting a new behavior and exploring any potential barriers. This is done by asking the client a series of questions to assess desire to change and then exploring efficacy for change. Based on the answer to these questions, several more questions are asked to address any barriers and facilitate solutions from the client. 3) Stages of Change - CHPs should assess participants’ Stages of Change in regards to behavior change (not ready, unsure or ready to make changes). Specific counseling skills are recommended at each Stage of Change in order to motivate clients to move from pre action stages to action stages of change. For more guidance on the use of these tools review "Nutrition Practice Guideline: Effective Counseling Skills". Addendum - Nutrition Practice Guidelines - Effective Counseling Methods
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 4: Certification Visit Education Page 3 3. WIC Program Explanation for Participants Effective: September 2009
A. Program Explanation for Participants 1) In order to improve health and achieve positive health outcomes nutritional and breastfeeding support is needed during critical times of growth and development. Education and strategies must be provided regarding: Healthy Diet, Supplemental Foods, Referrals, Breastfeeding Philosophy, Promotion and Support and the risks of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. 2) It is important for participants to receive an explanation of the Program’s purpose and key operational features to minimize misunderstandings about the nature of WIC and the benefits it provides. 3) This information must be provided as part of a positive, participant-centered assessment process as follows: a) Nutrition Assessment - Nutrition assessment is required to identify needs (medical conditions and dietary practices) and interests so that WIC can provide benefits that are responsive to the participants’ wants and needs. b) Certification Periods - Each participant must reapply at the end of the certification period and be reassessed for Program eligibility. c) Relationship - The relationship between WIC staff and the participant is a partnership with open dialogue and two-way communication—working to achieve positive health outcomes. d) Supplemental Nature - The food provided by the Program is supplemental, i.e., it is not intended to provide all of the participant’s daily food requirements. e) Food Benefits - WIC food benefits are prescribed for the individual, to promote and support the nutritional well-being of the participant and to help meet the recommended intake of important nutrients or foods. (1) Staff must assure participants understand the Illinois WIC Food List and which food items are part of their food package prescription. (2) Staff must verify participants understand where Illinois WIC Food Instruments may be used. Current WIC vendor lists should be provided as applicable. (3) Staff must ensure participants know how to use WIC food instruments including how to purchase items to attain the full nutrition benefit of the food package. f) Priority System - When agencies are not serving all priorities the nature of the Priority System must be explained. B. Documentation of Program Explanation 1) It is recommended that the explanation of the program be documented using the Cornerstone System assessment screens.
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 4: Certification Visit Education Page 4 4. High Risk Policy Effective: August 2009
WIC does not provide medical nutrition therapy for complex medical conditions. The Health Care System is the provider of medical nutrition therapy as a treatment for diagnosed medical conditions. WIC services are designed to improve health outcomes through the provision of basic nutrition and breastfeeding education and supplemental foods designed to meet the needs of participants with normal dietary needs. WIC services also facilitate access to health care and referrals to other social services and as needed, reinforce therapeutic nutrition services which are provided by the health care system. The Part 4 Addendum “High Risk Criteria - Values/Actions” provides criteria for which a participant would be considered “high risk”. Addendum - High Risk Criteria Values/Actions A. WIC can provide basic preventive education, supplemental foods and individual education to reinforce the medical nutrition therapy provided by the Registered Dietitian or breastfeeding education/care plan provided by the IBCLC in the health care system B. The Health Care System is responsible for providing or obtaining complex nutrition services. The CHP should support the intervention provided by registered dietitians, IBCLCs and other health care providers and work to coordinate care with the client’s medical home in order to ensure continuity of care. C. When a participant is receiving care from a qualified heath care provider, the nutrition care plan should include adequate documentation that care is being provided elsewhere. (IL WIC –CS 15). D. As part of assessment and counseling, questions to ask may include: 1) What other health care providers, specialists or therapists is the participant seeing? 2) Is she seeing anyone who is helping with feeding, eating or breastfeeding? 3) What suggestions has the person made? 4) Has the participant been able to follow their recommendations(s)? 5) Does she have questions/problems with suggestions that were made? 6) As best practice, CHPs should support/reinforce other providers’ suggestions within their capability and communicate with the other provider if difficulties are identified and/or to communicate progress with participant consent. E. The WIC food package may be modified to accommodate participants’ special dietary needs but therapeutic diets must be prescribed by health care providers. F. It is recommended that local agencies have access to a qualified nutritionist and IBCLC to provide nutrition and breastfeeding services to high-risk participants.
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 5: Secondary Nutrition Education Page 1 NE-5: Secondary Nutrition Education
1. General Guidelines Effective: August 2009
Within each certification period, at least one secondary contact must be made available to all clients. There are multiple ways to deliver secondary nutrition education. However, the method must incorporate effective nutrition education concepts that actively engage the client, including behavior change theories. Personalized individual education is considered the optimal method for providing nutrition education, however, interactive group education, self-study modules, breastfeeding support groups with interactive dialogue and web-based education may also be utilized. A. At the time of certification, local agencies must schedule clients for a pertinent secondary contact (e.g. individual contacts and/or group sessions). The scheduled session including date and time should be determined with the participant and documented in Cornerstone. B. Secondary Contact should not be provided in the same encounter or on the same day as the initial certification. C. Secondary Contacts should be scheduled to coincide with Food Instrument pick-up. 1) Clients who miss or do not attend their scheduled secondary contact should be rescheduled for a pertinent secondary contact and given one month Food Instruments. 2) Individuals must not be denied supplemental foods for failure to attend or participate in nutrition education activities. 3) If a client misses a nutrition education appointment, the local agency must document this in the client's record for purposes of further education and monitoring. (7CFR 246.11) Refusal to participate should also be documented. D. High-risk clients who need more frequent follow-up should be provided one or two months of Food Instruments to coincide with their follow-up education appointment. The maximum benefit of three months of Food Instruments may be given to low risk participants and on a case-by-case basis. E. In order to provide pertinent education, clients with different risks/needs within the same family should be scheduled for individual education contacts and/or for group education at one or two-month intervals. F. Secondary contact, whether individual or group, must be designed to meet the different cultural and language needs of the individual participant. G. Written or audio-visual material alone must not be utilized as a secondary contact. (FNS Guidance Memorandum, January 2006) H. Proxies are expected to attend secondary nutrition education contacts for the parent/ guardian/caretaker/foster parent.
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 5: Secondary Nutrition Education Page 2 2. Individual Nutrition Education Contacts Effective: August 2009
Individual nutrition education interventions may be provided in a variety of ways. All contacts should be designed to include elements of effective nutrition education interventions. (PPM NE 4.2) A. Individual Counseling 1) Individual nutrition education should include a review of identified risks and client agreement from the most recent certification visit. 2) Individual counseling is often helpful when several family members are on the program. For example, providing an individual contact to one family member during another’s certification can reduce the number of visits needed and assure pertinent contact. 3) Individual counseling may be beneficial for participants with schedule conflicts or who refuse or fail to attend group nutrition education. 4) An individual contact can be provided in coordination with other services such as a Family Case Management home visit or face-to-face contact. B. Individual Follow- The purpose of a follow-up visit is to monitor progress or improvement, provide additional information or breastfeeding support since the previous visit and to continue to make further improvement. 1) A follow-up visit should include a measurement such as weight, length or height, or blood value, which should be on the Cornerstone health visit screen. 2) At all follow-up visits, nutrition or breastfeeding counseling, which is based on assessment and/or additional breastfeeding support, should be provided to the client for the purpose of improving nutritional risk condition(s). 3) Follow-up visits are recommended for high risk, breastfeeding and prenatal participants. C. Self-Study Modules (SSM) 1) Self-study, walk-thru, or poster modules enable clients to learn at their own pace and allow for flexibility in educational opportunities within a clinic. 2) Self-study modules must provide some interaction between WIC staff and the participant. This encourages questions and an opportunity to receive reliable nutrition advice that addresses their special nutrition needs. 3) Self-study modules may be used as a method of nutrition education for the following: a) “Low-risk” WIC participants b) Those with known literacy level c) When a participant is late or misses a class and chooses to complete a SSM rather than be rescheduled. d) When a participant’s schedule conflicts with the class schedule. e) Situations when the participant is sick and can not attend the group session. 4) Self-study modules are not appropriate for: a) High risk/priority clients (without individual follow-up with a CHP) Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 5: Secondary Nutrition Education Page 3 b) Clients with limited literacy skills c) Use in place of individual counseling at the certification visit. 5) Local agencies should have a written procedure identifying: a) participants (i.e., by category, risk factor) who are eligible for SSM b) staff roles c) scheduling (including how to assure a participant completes the same module only once) d) documentation e) follow-up on incorrect answers f) plans for periodic review of modules with staff D. Web Education 1) Internet education provides innovative and alternative nutrition education to WIC participants and allows them the option of doing their learning on their own time and anywhere they have Internet access. 2) Wichealth.org is an interactive Internet nutrition education website developed to help WIC clients change their behaviors based on their readiness to make change. Parents and caregivers who complete a learning module on the website print a certificate that is used to count for nutrition education at local WIC agencies. 3) Internet education may be used as a method of nutrition education for the following: a) “Low-risk” WIC participants b) Those with known literacy level c) When a participant’s schedule conflicts with the class schedule. d) Situations when the participant is sick and can not attend the group session. 4) Internet education is not appropriate for: a) High risk/priority clients (without individual follow-up with a CHP) b) Clients with limited literacy skills c) Use in place of individual counseling at the certification visit
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 5: Secondary Nutrition Education Page 4 3. Group Nutrition Education Effective: August 2009
Group nutrition education interventions may be provided in a variety of ways and may involve video, activities or facilitated group discussions. All sessions should be designed to include elements of effective nutrition education interventions. (PPM NE-4.2) A. Each client must be scheduled for a session pertinent to the client's identified risk(s), age, category, and needs. B. Sessions should be planned at least three to six months in advance so that clients can be scheduled and audio-visuals can be ordered. C. Lesson plans should be used when presenting group sessions and should be kept on file. (Addendum “IDHS Lesson Plan and Self-Study Module Format”) D. Lesson plans should include: 1) Title of session 2) Target audience 3) Measurable, behavioral, objectives (not to exceed three). 4) Materials for session 5) Lesson Overview 6) Methods (must be interactive) should include facilitated discussion and emotion-based components. 7) Evaluation 8) References 9) Comments/Self-Evaluation 10) Self Study Module 11) Date of development or revision E. Group nutrition education should be recorded as a Cornerstone Service Entry as part of the documentation of the participant’s attendance at education.
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 5: Secondary Nutrition Education Page 5 4. Attendance Logs Effective: May 2006
Attendance logs for group nutrition education must be maintained to document attendance and failure to attend (7 CFR 246). A. Include the following items to document group education attendance: 1) Name and title of presenter. 2) Name and category of those in attendance as evidenced by signature/initial of client/parent or proxy (this should include scheduled and non-scheduled attendees). 3) Title of session. B. A computer-generated report may be used for attendance log. C. Attendance logs must be kept for three years following the close of the fiscal year to which the records pertain (IL WIC-PPM A-3).
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 6: Infant Nutrition Education Page 1 NE-6: Infant Nutrition Education
1. General Guidelines Effective: May 2006
A quarterly nutrition education contact must be provided to infants who are certified until their first birthday in order to assure quality and accessibility of health care services are not diminished (7 CFR 246). A. Nutrition education counseling for infants certified for one year must be provided at the certification visit and at the mid-certification assessment (IL WIC-PPM-CS-11). B. Individual or group contacts must be scheduled for at least two other times during that year and should be pertinent to the infant's risk/need. Nutrition contacts for infants should be scheduled to coordinate with other services, such as Family Case Management home visits or face-to-face contacts or immunizations.
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 6: Infant Nutrition Education Page 2 2. Initial Contact Effective: August 2009
Critical feeding information must be provided at the first contact with the parent/caregiver. A. At the initial contact all parents/caregivers of infants whether certified at a preliminary or certification visit, should receive the following nutrition information: 1) When the infant is fully breastfed: a) frequency of feedings, including that this is the ‘norm” for breastfed babies b) importance of positioning, demonstrate several positions & why different positions are important, observe a feeding to assess positioning c) follow-up visit to physician at 3-5 days and 2-3 weeks postpartum d) questions/concerns/problems; Offer that mom /baby can return to agency if she has any concerns, e) growth spurts (2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, etc.) f) importance of early exclusive breastfeeding, how breasts make milk g) resources for additional questions or support, including delivery hospital, support groups, etc. h) other information as needed 2) If the infant is formula fed: At the initial contact all parents/caregivers of formula fed infant should be instructed on the selection, preparation and storage of infant formula. Infant formula, in the powered form, is not sterile and may contain opportunistic bacterial pathogens such as E. sakazakii a potentially deadly bacteria from the family of Enterobacteriacae. For more guidance on Infant Food Safety review Infant Food Safety Professional Fact Sheet, USDA Infant Feeding Guide and www.cfan.fda.gov/~dms/inf-1tr3.html Key educational points to review: − Use the formula agreed upon with the doctor and mix as instructed on the container − Avoid dented and damage cans − Use proper procedures for sanitizing bottles and nipples (especially for infants under 3 months) − Use prepared formula within 24 hours − Discard unused formula left in the bottles after feedings − Dispose of prepared powered formula held at room temperature for more than 2 hours a) proper formula dilution, ask for a return demonstration, discuss the risks of improper mixing b) safe food handling practices, discuss the risks of improper handling c) proper feeding practices including no bottle propping, only formula in the bottle d) run water from cold tap for several minutes before mixing with formula to reduce lead content e) other information as needed Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 6: Infant Nutrition Education Page 3 3) For all infants: a) delay of solids b) do not use honey c) do not use the microwave to heat breastmilk, formula or any infant food or drink d) source of water e) review use of Food Instruments or Food Coupons f) other information as needed B. Discuss and document certification visit education information which is pertinent to the infant. (IL WIC-PPM NE-4) C. Document the counseling and the written materials provided in the client’s record for all infant contacts. (IL WIC-PPM CS-9)
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 7: Education Materials Page 1 NE-7: Education Materials
1. Teaching Aids Effective: August 2009
Materials are important components of nutrition and breastfeeding education and should be utilized to enhance client comprehension. A. Teaching aids such as pamphlets, posters and audio-visuals are available from the Nutrition Services Section as well as from other organizations and agencies. Many are available in other languages. B. It is recommended that all non-Department pamphlets and audio-visuals be evaluated initially to check for accuracy and consistency with Department recommendations. Regional Nutritionist Consultants and Breastfeeding Coordinators are available for assistance. C. Printed materials should be at the appropriate reading level and have content consistent with current FNS and State messages. Date of development and revision dates are helpful to include as is developing agency identification. D. Except in the case of highly motivated individuals or individuals who express a desire for more information, it is not recommended to give more than two pamphlets. Give only materials directly related to the topic or problem identified for the participant E. Pamphlets are considered a tool for reinforcing an educational message. They are to be used to enhance or supplement the nutrition education provided by local staff but do not take the place of nutrition education. Pamphlets should be personalized for the client. F. Local agency WIC staff have access to the Department's Audio-visual Lending Library. This library contains resources identified to complement nutrition education activities. A catalogue describing the resources by category and procedures for borrowing the audio- visual is provided to all local programs. G. Other materials including bilingual can be ordered from the Department via the web at http://www.dhs.state.il.us/serviceProviders/Forms/IL444-4314.pdf or downloaded from: 1) Translated materials: http://www.icirr.org/outreachwicbrochures.htm 2) University of Illinois Extension materials: http://wellnessways.aces.uiuc.edu/ 3) WIC Works Resource System: www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks/.
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006 Nutrition Education Section 8: Department Assistance Page 1 NE-8: Department Assistance
1. General Information Effective: January 2007
Department Nutrition staff have expertise in: Community Nutrition/Public Health Research; Maternal and Child Health; Infant and Pediatric Nutrition; Breastfeeding and Human Lactation; Chronic Disease Prevention; Child/Adolescent Weight Management; Nutrition Education and Evaluation; Training/Group Facilitation; Program and Policy Development; Computer Management Information Systems-data collection and use; Nutrition for Children with Special Health Care Needs; Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes; Interagency Collaboration and Food Security issues. A. Regional Nutritionist Consultants 1) Complete site visits, program evaluations, and follow-up 2) Provide technical assistance and consultation 3) Offer education and training 4) Assist in interpretation and utilization of data reports provided by the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 5) Assist in determining group nutrition education scheduling needs, developing lesson plans, handouts and planning nutrition education sessions B. Bureau of Family Nutrition 1) Provides education reinforcements 2) Plans conferences, workshops and satellite education C. The Department has a training contract with the Community Health Training Center to provide: 1) MIS training 2) Staff training (CHP, WIC Coordinator and Frontline) 3) Web-based modules
Illinois WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Issue Date: May 2006