Preschool Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Join our team and help nourish the minds and bodies of young learners!  As a Cook at Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center in Rochester, MI, you will be responsible for preparing and serving well-balanced, nutritious meals and snacks to children to expand their palates and help them explore new foods.  

Heartfelt Impressions believes that our menu is an extension of our children’s learning and discovery of healthy choices.  We utilize our sharing of mealtimes between students and teachers to promote great eating habits. Heartfelt Impressions follows the guidelines of the CACFP program through supplying the appropriate components that defines a balanced snack or meal and meets required serving portions. Our Menus are planned and prepared to provided whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables as well as much needed proteins and dairy in support of this program and the best interest of children’s development. 

Our Cooks work in conjunction with our Food Service director to create healthy monthly menus and oversee weekly food deliveries and inventory of the kitchen. 

Job Details:

• Status: Full-time
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm
• Desired start date: ASAP
• Location: Onsite, Rochester, MI
• Reports to: Center Director
• Pay rate: $18.00/hour (depending upon experience plus ServSafe certification)
• You will be the only cook at this center preparing two meals and two snacks daily for more than 70 children and 15 adults.
• This is not an industrial kitchen, but a home renovated to be an early learning center. All required appliances to prepare meals are included in the kitchen.

Requirements

·       High school diploma or equivalent

·       Experience in food preparation, preferably in a childcare or institutional setting

·       Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices ( ServSafe certification required )

·       Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

·       Flexibility to work on short notice and adapt to changing schedules

·       Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods

·       Must pass background checks (including fingerprinting) as required by state regulations

Responsibilities:

The Cook plays a vital role in supporting the nutritional needs of young children by preparing and serving meals in accordance with established menus, health regulations, and safety standards.

·       Prepare and serve meals and snacks following approved menus and portion guidelines

·       Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, equipment, and food storage areas

·       Follow all food safety and hygiene protocols, including proper food handling and storage

·       Assist with inventory management and notify supervisor of supply needs

·       Wash dishes, utensils, and cookware used in meal preparation and service

·       Ensure meals meet dietary restrictions and allergy accommodations as directed

·       Collaborate with teaching and administrative staff to coordinate meal times and delivery to classrooms

·       Maintain accurate records of food temperatures, cleaning schedules, and meal counts

·       Adhere to licensing and regulatory requirements for early childhood food service

Benefits

• Paid professional development
• Childcare discount (Tri-Share center/employer)
• Medical, dental, vision and short-term disability insurance
• Free Telehealth and EAP (day 1)
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Paid time off
• 401K with company match
• Paid Planning Time
• Referral bonuses
• Annual performance reviews and increases
• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks
• Birthday benefits

Work Environment:

Fast-paced kitchen setting within an early childhood education center. Interaction with children, staff, and families may occur. Requires adherence to strict health and safety standards.

Why Join our Team?

Our Rochester campus has six classrooms and the capacity to care for 79 children.  Our rooms are open with a lot of natural light, and we have age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Our campus has earned a Certificate of Recognition from Great Start Quality, (the equivalent of a five-star rating).

If you are passionate about food, enjoy teamwork, and working in a fast-paced environment, please apply today!