Job Overview
Primrose School of Aliana is a premier early education and care school serving children from infancy through kindergarten. At Primrose Schools, we believe that who children become is as important as what they know. We are seeking a warm, organized, and flexible team member who is passionate about children, enjoys cooking, and is excited to contribute beyond the kitchen as our school continues to grow.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats and being part of a collaborative, family-oriented school culture. If that's you, let's talk!
Position Summary
The Chef & School Support Specialist is responsible for preparing nutritious meals and snacks for children and staff while maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant kitchen environment. In addition to kitchen responsibilities, this role provides support to classrooms and the front office as operational needs require.
This position plays an important role in creating a positive experience for children, families, and staff throughout the school.
Primary Responsibilities
Kitchen & Food Service
- Prepare and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks in accordance with Primrose-approved menus.
- Prepare alternative meals and snacks for children with dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Maintain compliance with all health department, licensing, and food safety requirements.
- Manage food inventory, ordering, storage, labeling, and rotation to minimize waste and control costs.
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness, sanitation logs, temperature logs, and food service documentation.
- Order paper goods and kitchen-related supplies as needed.
- Participate in food safety inspections and licensing reviews as required.
- Support special events and celebrations requiring food preparation.
- Participate in orientation, training, staff meetings, and continuing education programs as required.
Classroom Support
- Assist classrooms during peak operational periods as needed.
- Support a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment
- Provide teacher support during breaks, transitions, outdoor play, nap coverage, and staffing gaps.
- Engage positively with children and maintain appropriate supervision when assisting classrooms.
Front Desk & Administrative Support
- Provide front desk coverage during breaks, tours, lunch periods, or staffing needs.
- Welcome families and visitors with professionalism and warmth.
- Answer phones and direct inquiries appropriately.
- Assist with basic administrative tasks, parent communication, and operational support.
- Support school tours and family engagement activities when needed
Team & School Support
- Collaborate closely with teachers, leadership, and owners to support overall school operations.
- Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and school events.
- Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies or safety concerns.
- Assist in other areas as reasonably requested by school leadership.
Qualifications
- Previous cooking experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, senior living community,, or similar setting preferred.
- Current Food Manager Certification (required).
- Ability to pass all required background checks and licensing requirements.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with children, families, and staff..
- Comfortable supporting classrooms and front office operations when needed.
Preferred Experience
- Experience cooking in a childcare center setting.
- Experience managing food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Experience using childcare management software such as Procare.
- Experience in customer service needed.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
- Ability to move throughout the school to support classrooms and front office operations.
Why Join Primrose School of Aliana?
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan opportunities
- Paid time off
- Employee childcare discount
- Supportive ownership and leadership team
- Opportunity to grow with a rapidly growing school community
- Meaningful work making a difference in the lives of children and families every days
Equal Opportunity Statement
Primrose School of Aliana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Work Location
- In-person only - this is not a remote position.
Pay: From $14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How comfortable are you providing occasional front desk coverage?
- What is your desired hourly rate?
- When is the earliest available start date?
- How comfortable are you providing occasional classroom support?
- Do you have experience managing food allergies and dietary restrictions? If so, briefly describe.
- Are you willing to work occasional evenings/weekends, or extended hours for school events or operational needs?
Experience:
- childcare center cooking: 3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Food Manager certification (Required)
Work Location: In person
