Registered dietitians and nutritionists are the ideal people to support a Head Start program’s food and nutrition services. In some programs, the health manager supervises a nutrition consultant. In other programs, the health manager works alongside a full-time nutrition manager. Some programs find a qualified consultant willing to volunteer their services.

It’s helpful for programs to consider their needs and local regulations when choosing a nutrition professional. Programs who prefer to hire a more highly qualified individual can look for nutritionists who are registered dietitians (RDs) — sometimes called registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).

All RDs are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are RDs. Anyone who completes a degree in nutrition can refer to themselves as a nutritionist. RDs are food and nutrition experts who meet these criteria:

• Completed at least a bachelor’s degree at an institution accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Completed an ACEND-accredited, supervised practice program at a health care facility, community agency, or a food service corporation.
• Passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)’s national exam.
  • Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the CDR will require at least a master’s degree to be eligible to take the exam.
• Completed continuing professional educational requirements to keep up registered status.

Programs should make sure they are hiring a nutritionist who is well-qualified to provide the services needed.

Tips and Strategies for Working with Nutrition Staff and Consultants

• Collaborate with nutrition professionals to:
  • Support nutrition services, including policies and procedures for assessing a child’s nutritional status.
  • Write, review, and check menus and food service.
  • Serve on the Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC).
  • Give nutrition education to staff and families.
  • Help develop and implement Individual Nutrition Plans.

Learn More

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Fact Sheet
• Appendix C: Nutrition Specialist, Registered Dietician, Licensed Nutritionist, Consultant and Food Service Staff Qualifications

Last Updated: October 31, 2023