Kitchen Assistant, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Position Summary
The Kitchen Assistant supports the daily food service operation of the child care learning center by assisting with meal preparation, food service, kitchen sanitation, inventory, and recordkeeping in accordance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, Georgia child care regulations, and center policies.
The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for helping provide children with safe, nutritious, appealing meals and snacks while maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesMeal Preparation and Food Service
- Assist with preparing breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to the center's approved menu.
- Follow standardized recipes, portion sizes, and meal patterns as directed.
- Prepare and serve meals in a timely manner according to the center's daily schedule.
- Ensure meals contain the required food components and appropriate portions for children's age groups.
- Assist with accommodating approved food substitutions and special dietary needs according to center procedures.
- Maintain appropriate food temperatures during preparation, service, and holding.
- Assist with storing and labeling leftover food according to food safety procedures.
CACFP Responsibilities
- Follow CACFP meal pattern requirements and center procedures.
- Assist with accurate meal counts and documentation as assigned.
- Help ensure that meals and snacks served are consistent with the approved CACFP menu.
- Maintain accurate records related to food preparation, meal service, and food inventory as assigned.
- Report missing food items, menu concerns, or discrepancies to the Food Service Coordinator or Director.
Food Safety and Sanitation
- Follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, and hygiene procedures.
- Properly wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, utensils, food preparation surfaces, and kitchen equipment.
- Maintain clean floors, counters, sinks, appliances, refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas.
- Follow proper handwashing and personal hygiene practices.
- Use appropriate gloves and other protective equipment when required.
- Prevent cross-contamination by properly separating raw and ready-to-eat foods.
- Check and properly store refrigerated and frozen foods.
- Report spoiled, damaged, expired, or unsafe food to the supervisor immediately.
- Follow procedures for pest prevention and maintaining a sanitary food service area.
Inventory and Kitchen Organization
- Assist with receiving, checking, dating, labeling, and storing food deliveries.
- Rotate food using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
- Assist with monitoring food and supply inventory.
- Notify the supervisor when food or kitchen supplies are running low.
- Keep food storage areas neat, organized, and properly labeled.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain a positive and professional attitude when working with children, families, and staff.
- Work cooperatively with teachers, administrators, and other kitchen personnel.
- Protect children's privacy and maintain confidentiality.
- Follow all center policies and procedures.
- Attend required staff meetings and training.
- Complete required food safety and CACFP training.
- Perform other kitchen and food service duties as assigned by the Director or CACFP Director and Asst. Director
Qualifications
- Previous kitchen, food service, child care, school nutrition, or similar experience preferred.
- Knowledge of basic food preparation and sanitation practices preferred.
- Ability to follow written menus, recipes, instructions, and schedules.
- Ability to work effectively in a busy child care environment.
- Ability to lift and carry food supplies and kitchen equipment as required.
- Must be dependable, punctual, and able to work cooperatively with a team.
- Must meet all applicable Georgia child care employment and training requirements.
Physical Requirements
The position requires standing for extended periods, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, and performing repetitive kitchen tasks. The employee must be able to safely handle food, kitchen equipment, and supplies.
Performance Expectations
The Kitchen Assistant is expected to:
- Provide safe, nutritious, and properly portioned meals and snacks.
- Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen at all times.
- Follow CACFP meal patterns and documentation procedures.
- Follow all food safety requirements and center policies.
- Demonstrate dependability, teamwork, professionalism, and respect for children and staff.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $12.00 - $13.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
