Evaluation of Workload and Full-Time Equivalents in Kindergarten Dietitians through Job Analysis by Kindergarten Establishment Type

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to estimate the appropriate workforce of dietitians by type of kindergarten through the recognition survey and job analysis of the kindergarten. Nutritionists' duties were classified into 6 duties, 28 tasks and 94 task elements. The statistical data analysis was completed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (ver. 25.0). The time spent on 6 duties, including ‘Nutrition management’ (public attached 666.24 hours/year, public independent 843.04 hours/year), ‘Foodservice management Practices’ (public attached 1,472.52 hours/year, public independent 1,298.11 hours/year), ‘Hygiene management of kindergarten foodservice’ (public attached 611.78 hours/year, public independent 607.18 hours/year), ‘Nutrition-diet education and counseling’ (public attached 340.53 hours/year, public independent 253.42 hours/year), ‘Managing snack during semesters and lunch/snacks during breaks’ (public independent 309.04 hours/year) and ‘Professionalism enhancement’ (public attached 88.86 hours/year; public independent 65.17 hours/year). Total working hours for dietitians were 3,179.94 hours/year (public attached) and 3,375.97 hours/year (public independent). The time/day ×5 days/week ×52 weeks/year calculation method using derived total working hours/year was applied to derive appropriate full-time equivalents (FTEs). The analysis showed that the public attached kindergarten’s FTEs were 1.53. The public independent's FTEs were 1.62, and the total FTEs were 1.55. This is the first study to analyze the workload of kindergarten dietitians and appropriate manpower by kindergarten establishment type. It is expected to be a valuable policy basis for efficient operation measures related to the kindergarten dietitians.