Daycare Chef/Cook

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionLocation: [City, State] Pay: [Insert Compensation] Job Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] Schedule: [Insert Schedule] Benefits: [Insert Benefits] The Learning Experience is hiring a Chef/Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children in our early childhood education center. The Chef/Cook manages daily food preparation, kitchen sanitation, inventory, and meal service while following applicable nutrition, food safety, and childcare requirements. What You'll Do Inspires Happiness Help create positive mealtimes for children. Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacksProvide consistent, timely meal and snack serviceHelp make mealtimes a positive part of each child's dayWork cooperatively with teachers and center staffTakes Ownership Manage daily kitchen operations and food preparation. Prepare meals according to approved menus and nutrition guidelinesMonitor attendance and prepare appropriate food quantitiesManage food inventory, supplies, and orderingMonitor food quality, expiration dates, and storageMaintain required meal and snack records, including CACFP records when applicableCommunicate supply or kitchen needs to center leadershipBuilds Trust Communicate effectively with center leadership, teachers, and families. Follow procedures for food allergies, dietary restrictions, and accommodationsCommunicate menu, supply, and meal-service information to the center teamWork with teachers to support smooth meal and snack transitionsMaintain professional and dependable working relationshipsDrives Operational Excellence Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant kitchen. Follow food handling, preparation, storage, cooking, and serving proceduresMaintain appropriate food temperatures and safe storage practicesClean and sanitize dishes, cookware, equipment, counters, and food preparation areasMaintain an organized kitchen and properly stored food and suppliesFollow applicable food service, sanitation, health, safety, and licensing requirementsManage purchasing and inventory within the established budgetElevates the Brand Maintain TLE standards for quality, safety, and service. Prepare and serve food with attention to quality and consistencyMaintain a clean and organized kitchenSupport center events and special meal needs when appropriateContribute to a positive experience for children and familiesQualifications High school diploma or GED required, unless otherwise permitted by state requirementsMust be at least 18 years oldFood service experience in a childcare center, preschool, school, restaurant, cafeteria, catering, or commercial kitchen preferredKnowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handlingAbility to follow menus, recipes, portions, and nutrition guidelinesStrong organization and time-management skillsFood Handler or equivalent certification where requiredMust meet applicable licensing, background screening, health, and training requirementsPhysical Requirements This active role requires standing for extended periods; bending, reaching, and moving throughout the kitchen; and safely lifting up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be available. If you have food service experience and enjoy preparing meals for children, apply today to join The Learning Experience as a Preschool Cook.