Preschool Cook

Preschool Cook

The Preschool Cook is responsible for guaranteeing the children are served nutritious, tasty and appealing meals and snacks. They will prepare and serve food and maintain the kitchen and dining area in sanitary condition. The Preschool Cook must plan and create nutritious menu options that the children will enjoy and comply with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Additional responsibilities are planning, preparation, serving, and clean-up of all meals and snacks.

• Valid Texas Food Safety Manager Certification
• Plan and prepare foods in accordance with CACFP requirements.
• Submit food and supplies necessary to prepare the planned menus for the number of enrolled children and staff to be ordered by the center deadline.
• Plan meals far enough ahead to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are necessary, with prior approval, purchase and serve food of equivalent nutritional value. Note all modifications and substitutes on posted menu and for CACFP records.
• Prepare meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients is lost from foods, ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need.
• Maintain established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments; maintain an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen.
• Serve foods suitable for the children's age and development.
• Modify menus and recipes and prepare foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies.
• Maintain cost control, budget and inventory systems based on CAFCP procedures, including records of food production, service and attendance.
• Assure proper care and maintenance of all food service equipment; notify the Assistant Director of equipment and service needs.
• Cooperate with and participate in nutrition education activities for staff, parents and children.
• Assist teachers with developing food activities for the children in the classroom.
• Attend staff meetings and professional meetings, conferences, and workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.

About Our Benefits In addition to offering competitive pay, The Pillars provides:

• Paid training;
• Medical, vision, dental coverage;
• Voluntary Life, Accident, & Illness insurance;
• Short Term Disability;
• Two weeks (80 hours) of Paid Time Off;
• Paid Family Leave for up to 8 weeks;
• 6% Employer Match on 401(k)
• Eligibility to Participate in Bonus Programs;
• 13+ paid holidays;
• Grant and Scholarship Program
• Child Tuition Discounts
• CDA and Continuing Education assistance
• An engaging environment full of fun, birthday surprises; Quarterly staff outings so that each team member feels appreciated, valued, and equipped to achieve their own personal success.

Requirements Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Meet HHS minimum education and experience requirements
• Valid Texas Food Safety Manager Certification (5-year)