KITCHEN AIDE

JOB SUMMARY:

The Kitchen Aide plays a vital role in ensuring Hopkins House Preschool Academy students receive healthy, nutritious meals every day. This position supports meal preparation, maintains a clean and safe kitchen environment, and ensures compliance with food safety regulations and CACFP standards. Working closely with colleagues, families, and catering partners, the Kitchen Aide helps create a positive environment where children can thrive.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Coordinate daily with the outside caterer to confirm the appropriate number of meals, including special events and field trips.
2. Receive and verify food deliveries from the catering service.
3. Purchase and/or order additional food and supplies, as needed, from local stores.
4. Distribute properly portioned meals to each classroom for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.
5. Maintain accurate inventory of food and supplies in both kitchen and classrooms.
6. Ensure compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) menu and meal service standards.
7. Keep kitchen, dining areas, and equipment clean and sanitary, including dishwashing, surface cleaning, trash removal, and hygiene protocols.
8. Follow all food safety regulations and best practices for safe food handling and storage.
9. Conduct required Health Department inspections and maintain compliance records.
10. Assist with deep cleaning tasks at the beginning and end of the school term, and provide support during school events and summer programs.
11. Perform additional duties as assigned, which may include substituting in classrooms during educator breaks or absences.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

High School Diploma or equivalent

YEARS OF RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:

1 or more years of food handling experience in school, restaurant, or similar setting.

OTHER RELATED REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have an active Food Handler Certificate.
2. Must be able to work on-site from 7 am to 3 pm, Monday - Friday.
3. Vehicle and license to drive to local grocery or store, as needed.
4. Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting food trays and standing for extended periods.
5. Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues, children ("Young Scholars"), and parents.

BENEFITS:

Hopkins House offers a wide range of generous employee benefits, including paid time off (i.e., sick, vacation, family leave, etc.), paid holidays, health and dental coverage, and childcare tuition discounts.