Cook, Preschool

What You'll Do

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare and present breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with CACFP meal patterns and menus, ensuring timely and accurate service.
• Serve meals at the right temperatures, guaranteeing quality and freshness.
• Accommodate dietary requirements and special needs as directed by the centre.
• Manage food portions and meal counts, meeting CACFP requirements and standards.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, and freshness.

CACFP Compliance

• Follow all CACFP regulations, documentation requirements, and guidelines.
• Keep accurate records of meal production, temperature logs, inventory, and food program paperwork.
• Cooperate with CACFP monitoring visits and audits.
• Ensure meals meet the USDA nutritional standards.
• Collaborate with the team to plan menus supporting healthy eating habits and child development.

Kitchen Safety & Sanitation

• Ensure the kitchen, storage areas, and food storage are clean, organized, and meet sanitary standards.
• Adhere to proper food handling, sanitation, and infection control procedures.
• Operate kitchen equipment with caution and responsibility.
• Monitor food expiration dates, implement FIFO procedures for inventory rotation.
• Comply with local health department regulations.

Inventory & Purchasing

• Maintain an adequate inventory of food and kitchen supplies.
• Assist with ordering food and supplies within budget constraints.
• Receive and store deliveries efficiently.

Teamwork & Professionalism

• Foster positive communication with staff, children, and families.
• Work collaboratively with classroom staff during meal service.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Support the centre’s mission of providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children.

Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Previous experience in food service, childcare nutrition, school nutrition, or commercial kitchen preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Food Handler Certification or ServSafe Certification required (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to safely lift food boxes, kitchen supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to work in hot and cold kitchen environments.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of CACFP guidelines preferred or willingness to learn.
• Frequent standing, bending, lifting, and walking.
• Ability to work with the team to plan menus supporting healthy eating habits and child development.

Benefits