The cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appealing, and age-appropriate meals and snacks for children and staff while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment. The Cook follows all childcare food-service regulations, health and safety guidelines, and center policies to ensure meals are prepared and served safely.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare daily meals and snacks according to the center’s approved menu and established meal schedule.
- Follow recipes, portion sizes, and nutritional guidelines as required.
- Accommodate children’s food allergies, intolerances, and special dietary needs according to written instructions and center policies.
- Maintain accurate records related to food preparation, meal counts, temperatures, and required documentation.
- Practice proper food handling, sanitation, and personal hygiene at all times.
- Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food is stored, prepared, and served safely.
- Properly store, label, and rotate food supplies to maintain freshness and prevent food waste.
- Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, including countertops, appliances, dishes, utensils, floors, and storage areas.
- Wash and sanitize dishes, cookware, and food preparation equipment.
- Monitor kitchen inventory and notify administration when food and supplies need to be ordered.
- Receive and properly store food deliveries.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
- Follow all applicable state childcare licensing requirements, health department regulations, CACFP/USDA guidelines, and center policies.
- Communicate professionally with the Director, staff, and families regarding food-related concerns when appropriate.
- Support a positive, welcoming mealtime environment for children.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Center Director.
Qualifications
- Previous cooking or food-service experience preferred.
- Experience working in a childcare, school, healthcare, or institutional kitchen is a plus.
- Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.
- Ability to follow menus, recipes, and dietary instructions accurately.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
- Reliable, dependable, and able to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
- Must be able to pass required background checks and meet all applicable childcare licensing requirements.
- Must obtain and maintain any required food handler, food safety, CPR/First Aid, or other certifications as required by state regulations and center policy.
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
