Cook

Preschool CookA Bright Beginnings - Orange Park Orange Park, FL Full-Time | Early Childhood EducationA Bright Beginnings is looking for a dependable, organized, and caring Preschool Cook to support our children and school team in Orange Park, Florida.Our Cook plays an important role in the health, safety, and daily experience of our children. This position is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys food preparation but also wants to work in a family-centered school environment where their work makes a difference every day.What You'll DoAs our Preschool Cook, you will:Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to established menus and meal schedulesFollow appropriate portion sizes for children based on age and program requirementsMaintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food-preparation areaFollow food safety, sanitation, health, licensing, and company requirementsMaintain appropriate food temperatures and safe food-storage practicesProperly label, date, store, and rotate food productsMonitor food inventory and communicate ordering or supply needs to school leadershipReceive and appropriately store food and kitchen deliveriesFollow established procedures regarding food allergies and dietary restrictionsWork closely with school leadership and teachers regarding children's dietary needsPrepare meals and snacks on schedule so classroom routines remain consistentMaintain required kitchen, meal, temperature, inventory, or sanitation documentationClean and sanitize dishes, utensils, food-preparation surfaces, appliances, and kitchen areasMonitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns promptlyMinimize food waste while maintaining appropriate portions and qualityMaintain a kitchen environment that is prepared for applicable health, licensing, and regulatory inspectionsSupport the school team with other appropriate duties as neededFood Allergies and Child SafetyBecause we serve young children, attention to dietary restrictions and food allergies is extremely important.The Preschool Cook must be able to:Follow documented allergy and dietary information carefullyPrevent cross-contact and cross-contaminationCommunicate immediately when there is a question about a child's meal or dietary restrictionNever make assumptions regarding a child's food allergy or dietary needMaintain appropriate sanitation and handwashing practicesKeep food, equipment, and potentially hazardous materials safely securedWhat We're Looking ForWe are looking for someone who is:Dependable and punctualOrganized and able to follow a daily meal scheduleComfortable preparing food for groups of childrenKnowledgeable about basic food safety and sanitationAble to follow menus, recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary instructionsDetail-oriented, particularly regarding allergies and food restrictionsAble to maintain accurate records and documentationComfortable working independently while partnering with the school leadership teamProfessional and positive when interacting with children, families, teachers, and coworkersAble to maintain a clean and inspection-ready kitchenAble to safely perform the physical responsibilities associated with food preparation and kitchen operationsQualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent preferredPrevious cooking, food preparation, school nutrition, childcare food service, cafeteria, healthcare food service, or similar experience preferredPrevious experience preparing meals for groups is a plusPrevious experience working in a childcare, preschool, school, or child nutrition environment is strongly preferredKnowledge of food safety, sanitation, proper storage, and temperature controlAbility to follow written menus, recipes, and dietary instructionsAbility to meet all applicable Florida childcare, background screening, health, food-service, and employment requirementsAbility to complete required training and certifications associated with the positionWho Will Thrive in This Role?You may be a great fit if you enjoy working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.You understand that in a preschool, lunch being ready on time matters. Allergy information matters. Cleanliness matters. Portions matter. Documentation matters.Most importantly, you understand that every meal you prepare is being served to a child whose family trusts us to keep them safe.Why Join A Bright Beginnings?At A Bright Beginnings, every member of the school team contributes to the experience we provide children and families.Eligible employees may have access to medical benefits, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) options, supplemental benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, professional development, and opportunities for continued growth.Join Our TeamIf you are dependable, organized, take pride in maintaining a clean kitchen, and enjoy preparing meals that support the health and well-being of children, we would love to hear from you.Apply today to join A Bright Beginnings - Orange Park as our Preschool Cook.