Daycare Meal Planner / Cook

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionPosition Summary
Deborah’s Little Shepherds Child Care Center is seeking a dependable, organized, and caring Daycare Meal Planner/Cook to prepare nutritious, child-friendly meals and snacks for children enrolled in our program. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with children and an understanding of healthy nutrition, food safety, sanitation, and CACFP meal requirements.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks appropriate for young children.
• Follow approved menus and CACFP meal-pattern requirements.
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to the center's daily meal schedule.
• Accommodate documented food allergies, special dietary needs, and approved substitutions.
• Maintain proper food portions and serving sizes for different age groups.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, handwashing, temperature-control, and storage procedures.
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate food supplies.
• Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures and maintain required food safety records.
• Complete meal counts, production records, menus, and other required CACFP documentation.
• Maintain adequate food and kitchen supplies and notify administration when items need to be ordered.
• Check food inventory and monitor expiration dates to minimize waste.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment and report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
• Follow center policies, DHS requirements, health regulations, and CACFP guidelines.
• Work cooperatively with teachers and administrative staff to ensure meals are served safely and on time.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Perform other kitchen and meal-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience preparing meals for children, daycare, school, restaurant, or institutional food service preferred.
• Knowledge of basic nutrition and food safety practices.
• Ability to follow CACFP meal requirements and written menus.
• Ability to prepare meals in a timely and organized manner.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and store food and kitchen supplies.
• Dependable, punctual, professional, and able to work independently.
• Must be comfortable working in a childcare environment.
• Must meet applicable Pennsylvania child care employment requirements, including required background clearances and health documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• CACFP food service experience.
• Food Handler or Food Safety certification.
• Experience planning menus for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
• Knowledge of special diets and food allergies.
• Experience maintaining meal counts, production records, and food inventory.

What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is reliable, caring, clean, organized, and committed to providing children with nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment. The Meal Planner/Cook plays an important role in supporting the health, growth, and well-being of the children we serve.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and any applicable food service, nutrition, or food safety certifications. Qualified applicants may be contacted for an interview.