Childcare Center Cook & Support

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: DOE

At Building Kidz of Gilbert, nourishing children goes hand in hand with educating them. As our Cook & Center Support Teacher, you'll fuel our kids with quality, wholesome meals and snacks and then step into classrooms to be part of their day in a whole different way. This is a unique dual role for someone who takes pride in both their kitchen work and their connection with children and families. If you love to cook, love kids, and thrive in a busy, purposeful environment, we'd love to meet you.

What you'll do in the kitchen

• Prepare quality, nutritious meals and snacks that meet all company and health standards
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and individual needs of children in care
• Follow all CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) guidelines and maintain accurate meal documentation
• Manage food ordering, inventory, and supply levels to keep the kitchen stocked and running smoothly
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully compliant kitchen at all times
• Ensure all food handling and storage meet Arizona health code requirements
• Communicate proactively with the Director regarding supply needs, menu changes, or concerns

What you'll do in the classroom

• Float across infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age rooms to support lead teachers and maintain required ratios
• Implement Building Kidz curriculum and daily routines in any assigned classroom
• Greet children and families warmly and professionally at drop-off and pick-up
• Maintain safe, clean, and well-supervised classroom environments
• Conduct accurate headcounts and name-to-face checks at all times
• Assist with hygiene routines, documentation, and daily classroom tasks
• Uphold all Building Kidz policies and state childcare licensing regulations

Required by Arizona childcare licensing (AZDHS)

• Must be at least 18 years old with a minimum of 6 months of experience in a licensed facility.
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Arizona fingerprint clearance card (or ability to obtain one)
  
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before start date)
• Food Handler or Food Manager Card (required)
• Completion of AZDHS new employee orientation/10-day training checklist upon hire

You might be a great fit if you have

• 1+ years of institutional, school, or childcare kitchen cooking experience
• 2+ years of experience working with children in any capacity
• Knowledge of CACFP guidelines and meal tracking strongly preferred
• Experience ordering food and managing kitchen supplies
• Comfort working across multiple age groups, from infants through school age
• 24 ECE units or a CDA credential or are working toward one
• A flexible, dependable, team-first attitude and professional demeanor
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to shift gears between kitchen and classroom smoothly

What we offer

• Competitive pay
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• A supportive, family-like team culture
• A genuinely one-of-a-kind role where no two days look the same
• Monday - Friday 9:30 am-2:30 pm!! NO NIGHTS OR WEEKENDS!

Physical requirements

This role is active in two environments. In the kitchen, expect prolonged standing, lifting, and working with hot surfaces and equipment. In the classroom, expect to sit on the floor, move quickly to respond to children's needs, dance, and engage in active play. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs, work comfortably indoors and outdoors, and have the hearing and vision needed to monitor children's well-being at all times.