Program Design Program Development The Nutrition Education Program is an important part of the total county Extension program, with the same program planning principles applying to NEP. Food and nutrition subject matter is the principal content for both the adult and youth audiences. Instruction should reflect nutritional needs and cultural heritage of the audience. Provisions should be made to ensure that: Food and nutrition needs of limited resource families are identified and provide the basis for long-range and annual planning of the program Annual and long-range programs are developed as a cooperative effort on the part of all agents, specialists, Extension assistants, interested local leaders, and representatives from program families Representatives of NEP families participate in planning the program through their individual comments and suggestions and as members of program development committees and councils Agents and assistants in consultation with the regional program coordinators and district directors develop the part of the county Plan of Work relating to NEP, with priorities established from primary needs of clientele, existing conditions, and long-range goals Families participate in learning experiences that focus on nutrition and related concerns. Agents, assistants, and volunteer leaders should employ those teaching and organizational methods and techniques appropriate for use with limited resource family members and small groups. Suggestions are incorporated from NEP Advisory Council. Program Delivery Methods Methods for program delivery may include but are not limited to: Direct teaching by assistants or volunteers in group situations Mass media efforts developing understanding, awareness, and involvement in the educational program Development and training of volunteers to assist with direct teaching of adults and youth. Referrals of participants to other Extension programs and community and food assistance programs (e.g., SNAP benefits, WIC) will be the responsibility of all professionals and assistants. NEP families will be encouraged to participate in food assistance programs for which they are eligible.
Identifying NEP Audiences The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) provides educational experiences for adult and youth audiences. The adult instruction is taught in small group settings. Instruction for youth audiences includes classroom instruction, 4-H activities, and county summer camps. EFNEP Adult Audience: EFNEP targets limited resource adults who are responsible for planning, preparing, and purchasing the family s food. Limited resource implies that a person has inadequate income for needed consumption of food, and/or other goods and services. The adults programs are directed toward: Families with young children as a priority Families that are eligible for USDA-food-assistance programs, including SNAP benifits, WIC, and free or reduced-price school meals Families receiving public assistance. SNAP-Ed Audience: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education targets any age SNAP recipients and/or those that are eligible for SNAP benefits. Youth Audience: NEP youth programs are directed to children under the age of 19 from limited resource families. Youth programs include: Youth from NEP families Youth on free or reduced-price school meals Youth participating in other programs reaching limited resource youth Youth who are pregnant or lactating 4-H youth EFNEP works with children K-adult, SNAP works with all ages. 2
Suggestions for Recruiting NEP and Limited Resource Audiences Recruiting new clients is a continuous process for the NEP assistant. Coordinating efforts with the county Extension agents and community partners can assist in recruiting clients and developing group programs. Community partners can refer clients, co-sponsor or host group activities, supplement educational materials, and provide other benefits to the NEP clients. Within individual counties, there are a variety of groups meeting with limited resource clients that willingly participate with NEP. Most of the groups require within their curricula many of the same skills that NEP can teach. Therefore, they are good partners with NEP. Community partners that may conduct group meetings or help identify clients include: County Health Department HANDS Coordinator Outreach Coordinator Nursing Coordinator Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinator WIC Coordinator Family Resource Center/Youth Service Center Public or private day care centers Rural health outreach programs Local school systems Teachers and administrators Guidance counselors School nurses School food service directors Department of Families and Children Caseworker for Community-Based Services Habitat for Humanity Other Non-profit organizations Food bank or food pantries Churches English as A Second Language Coordinator Goodwill Training Coordinator Housing Authority Executive Director YMCA Local parks and recreation system Adult Literacy 3
Progression of Program Families and Youth NEP increases the understanding and practice of good nutrition of enrolled families. Families are expected to gain information and motivation as they progress in the program toward graduation within 12 months. Involving NEP families in other Extension programs is equally important. Continuous efforts are necessary to ensure that NEP families are made aware of opportunities for additional educational experiences available. Agents and assistants need to inform NEP families of Extension programs of potential interest to them and genuinely welcome their participation. Encourage NEP families to participate in other Extension-sponsored educational activities, involving them in: Agriculture and Natural Resources Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Youth Development Community Development Special Interest Workshops Encourage participation in special interest meetings and workshops planned for general clientele. Suggest that these are good ways to get information on subjects other than foods and nutrition in which they have expressed interest. Plan special interest sessions specifically designed for program participants. Both participants and assistants may be included if the topic is appropriate. Some suggested topics are gardening, financial management, and home repairs. Involve the NEP client in the design of programs that meet their needs. Hold meetings in convenient locations for the NEP participant. Encourage NEP participants to attend small group activities held by the Extension Homemaker clubs. Youth Limited resource youth who are from NEP program families or who are recruited through the NEP program may become involved in nutrition and nutrition-related activities. Extension assistants may work directly with these youth, but the involvement of volunteer leaders is desirable. Efforts should also be made to offer other subject matter to these youth through the involvement of volunteers. The Youth NEP charge is to encourage participation in other youth programs, events, and activities. 4
Objectives of Assistant Training Following NEP training, assistants will have: A greater understanding of and appreciation for the Cooperative Extension Service, Nutrition Education Program, and the role of an Extension Assistant An understanding of the role of an Extension assistant with program participants An understanding of the need for keeping accurate, up-to-date records The basic skills and knowledge needed to help participants change their behavior in order to achieve adequate diets. Suggested Orientation Training For NEP Assistants Topics that will be covered during trainings include: Overview of NEP Employee Benefits Civil Rights The Job of an Assistant Professional Image Organizational Skills Knowing Your Audience Recruiting Utilizing Volunteers Program Guidelines Performance Standards & Evaluation Teaching Techniques Nutrition Basics Curriculum (Adult and Youth) Nutrition Education Evaluation and Reporting Systems (Web-NEERS) Overview Maternal Nutrition Feeding Children 24-Hour Food Recalls Behavior Surveys Enrolling adults & youth Food Demonstration Techniques Working with community agencies 5
Suggested Orientation Training NEP Assistants Newly hired NEP Assistants will attend several days of orientation training that is facilitated by the state NEP staff. This will include training on NEP curriculum, marketing, teaching and reporting. The supervising agents will direct much of the training in the county for the assistant. This additional orientation guide is provided with suggested activities for new assistant and the county staff. Please schedule time for any assignments given at in-service training. Activities and days may be adjusted as necessary. County Office Orientation Introduction of employee to staff. Attend staff conference. Participate in questions & answers. Tour office facilities Set-up computer, SAP, travel, KERS and other University forms. Locate supplies and publications. Discuss office policies & procedure. Establish work schedule. Office Personnel Role of Supervising Agent Role of District Director Role of District Director s Support Staff Associate Role of Staff Assistants, other Agents and/or Program Assistants (This should be specific to county staffing patterns) Orientation to Cooperative Extension Service Discuss the purpose, mission, and overview of CES in the county Discuss tie with University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University (Land Grant Universities) Position Description Discuss in detail the duties and responsibilities of the position Review the NEP Guidelines Notebook Discuss how the performance evaluation will relate to the position description. Establish performance standards for the first three months, 6 months and the first full year, using the Goals and Objective Worksheet. Determine youth program area of emphasis 6
Professionalism Dress and conduct Confidentiality on the job Office Protocol Office hours Keys Mail procedures (incoming, outgoing, penalty mail, mailing lists, privacy issues) Office Procedure Manual, review as a source of information Activities and Assignments Review workbook: Your Job as an Extension Assistant (given out during Orientation Training from NEP) Study and complete Basic Nutrition Knowledge Workbook Customize NEP Marketing Materials with assistant s contact information Tour your assigned work area: get familiar with roads, streets, public housing, etc. Visit county agencies with supervising agent Health Department - Women, Infants, and Children Coordinator SNAP office Emergency food program (food bank, food pantry, Salvation Army, etc.) Community Action Agency Family Resource Youth Service Center Church ministers County Judge Executive Visit with 4-H Youth Development Agent Visit with Agriculture & Natural Resource Agent and Horticulture Agent If possible, schedule these when agent can take assistant along to see an event. Complete assignments on the Checklist for Homework Study NEP Adult curriculum lessons Look over youth curriculums NEP website Web NEERS Additional websites listed Compile participant Folders Practice taking 24-hour food recalls. Complete assignments such as menu planning Plan a lesson and teach it to the supervising agent 7
Go to the local supermarket where SNAP eligible participants shop. Get familiar with available products, brand names, prices, and merchandising techniques. Discuss supermarket observations with supervising agent. Spend day with a veteran assistant; Coordinated between the supervising agent and state training coordinator. Observe them doing a group meeting or youth activity. Note: Relationship between client and the assistant Interest in the particular lesson being taught Teaching methods, visuals used Commitment from participants/youth, questions, comments, and acceptance of new ideas Recruiting participants in the program NEP Training The Nutrition Education Program state staff will assist in planning and organizing at least two inservice programs each year on topics designed to meet the needs of NEP families and children. The in-service programs provide up-to-date information on a variety of topics for supervising agents and program assistants. Assistants are expected to attend those required in-service programs. The in-service training, also, provides an opportunity to exchange program ideas with other assistants and supervising agents. Assistants should plan annual leave around training dates. 8
Working with Agencies Each county is unique to the community agencies that are available. The supervising agent may be part of the interagency council that will provide a starting point for assistants. Keep a list of the agencies in your county with address, phone number, contact persons and services offered. It is suggested that supervising agents make an appointment to visit agencies and introduce the new assistant. EXAMPLES OF AGENCIES TO IDENTIFY IN YOUR COMMUNITY County Agencies Public or private day care centers Local school system English as A Second Language Coordinator Elementary Education Supervisor School Food Service Director Housing Authority Executive Director YMCA Parks and Recreation Department Spouse Abuse Center Habitat for Humanity Substance Abuse Center Family Resource Center Adult Education Center Head Start Migrant and Technology County Health Department HANDS Coordinator Outreach Coordinator Diabetes Educator WIC Coordinator Teachers and administrators Guidance counselors School nurse Commonwealth of Kentucky KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services Community Based Services Social Services Department Workforce Development Cabinet Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Rural Health Outreach Programs Other Area Community Services Ministerial Alliance Red Cross Salvation Army Home Health U. S. Government United States Department of Agriculture Farmers Home Administration Soil Conservation Department of Health and Human Services Social Security Administration Interagency Council Goodwill Training Coordinator Non-Profit Organizations Food Bank or Food Pantries Churches 9
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Financial Assistance is offered in Name of Town or County through: Name of Agencies Address Phone No. Contact Person Services Offered 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Example: SNAP Office, Public Assistance Office, Salvation Army 10
HEALTH ASSISTANCE Health Assistance is offered in Name of Town or County through: Name of Agencies Address Phone No. Contact Person Services Offered 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Example: Health Dept., Mental Health Assoc., Poison Control Center, Medicare Office, Blood Bank 11
COUNTY/COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES AVAILABLE Women, Infants and Children - WIC Dept. of Human Resources SNAP Office/Social Insurance Community Action Food Banks / Pantries 12
County Public Health Department Hospitals Health Clinics Adult Learning Center Co. School System/Youth Service Center 13
Literacy/GED Other 14