Continuing Education Program for Paraprofessionals at the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

Abstract

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Alaska uses paraprofessionals to determine nutrition risk and provide education for their clients. Through discussions with administration and other staff at Alaska’s state WIC office, it was determined that there was a need for more in-depth nutrition education for paraprofessionals. Specific educational topics were identified by WIC nutrition experts and from client feedback. These topics included vitamin D, iron, portion sizes, picky eating and bottle weaning, and food safety. An e-learning portfolio was developed around these 5 topics to provide further education for paraprofessionals through stand-alone modules. This ePortfolio platform allows paraprofessionals to access nutrition education at their convenience. The modules contain a pretest to determine the paraprofessionals’ knowledge, PowerPoint educational material, resources for both the paraprofessional and client, as well as a posttest to evaluate knowledge gained from the module. Each module counts for 1 hour of continuing education credit. This project ensures that paraprofessionals receive up to date, evidence-based nutrition education. This project also serves the profession of dietetics by ensuring that the nutrition education being provided by paraprofessionals to WIC clients is accurate, in-depth, and up-to-date.