Cook

Preschool Cook

A Bright Beginnings - Orange Park Orange Park, FL Full-Time | Early Childhood Education

A 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 Do

As our Preschool Cook, you will:

• Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to established menus and meal schedules
• Follow appropriate portion sizes for children based on age and program requirements
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food-preparation area
• Follow food safety, sanitation, health, licensing, and company requirements
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures and safe food-storage practices
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products
• Monitor food inventory and communicate ordering or supply needs to school leadership
• Receive and appropriately store food and kitchen deliveries
• Follow established procedures regarding food allergies and dietary restrictions
• Work closely with school leadership and teachers regarding children's dietary needs
• Prepare meals and snacks on schedule so classroom routines remain consistent
• Maintain required kitchen, meal, temperature, inventory, or sanitation documentation
• Clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, food-preparation surfaces, appliances, and kitchen areas
• Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly
• Minimize food waste while maintaining appropriate portions and quality
• Maintain a kitchen environment that is prepared for applicable health, licensing, and regulatory inspections
• Support the school team with other appropriate duties as needed

Food Allergies and Child Safety

Because 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 carefully
• Prevent cross-contact and cross-contamination
• Communicate immediately when there is a question about a child's meal or dietary restriction
• Never make assumptions regarding a child's food allergy or dietary need
• Maintain appropriate sanitation and handwashing practices
• Keep food, equipment, and potentially hazardous materials safely secured

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Dependable and punctual
• Organized and able to follow a daily meal schedule
• Comfortable preparing food for groups of children
• Knowledgeable about basic food safety and sanitation
• Able to follow menus, recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary instructions
• Detail-oriented, particularly regarding allergies and food restrictions
• Able to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Comfortable working independently while partnering with the school leadership team
• Professional and positive when interacting with children, families, teachers, and coworkers
• Able to maintain a clean and inspection-ready kitchen
• Able to safely perform the physical responsibilities associated with food preparation and kitchen operations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous cooking, food preparation, school nutrition, childcare food service, cafeteria, healthcare food service, or similar experience preferred
• Previous experience preparing meals for groups is a plus
• Previous experience working in a childcare, preschool, school, or child nutrition environment is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, proper storage, and temperature control
• Ability to follow written menus, recipes, and dietary instructions
• Ability to meet all applicable Florida childcare, background screening, health, food-service, and employment requirements
• Ability to complete required training and certifications associated with the position

Who 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 Team

If 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.