A Training Make-Over for WIC Nutrition Paraprofessionals in Massachusetts

Abstract

The Massachusetts WIC Program has implemented a new, interactive training program for nutrition paraprofessionals. The Massachusetts’ Nutrition Assistant CPAI Training Program is a competency-based program to assure that all new Nutrition Assistants learn necessary skills to fulfill job responsibilities of providing nutrition services to low-risk children. The program is conducted over an 11–14 week period. It includes seven (7) all-day training sessions, incorporating didactic and interactive activities - demonstrations, role-plays, observations, computer practice, case studies, group problem-solving and posttests. Training topics include: basic nutrition, anthropometric, hematological and dietary assessment, preschool nutrition, effective counseling and education, cross-cultural counseling, and many others. Between training days, Nutrition Assistants engage in independent study of training modules and assigned homework activities. In addition, they practice and apply learned knowledge and skills. This program has proven to be highly effective in training paraprofessional staff. Over 30 nutrition paraprofessionals have graduated from this program in the last 18 months. Graduates achieved a higher nutrition and counseling knowledge and skill level in significantly shorter time than staff participating in previous training programs. This session will feature this model training program including: training outlines, samples of modules, practical activities and worksheets, and evaluation tools for determining competency of performance and knowledge skills.