Daycare Cook/Kitchen Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

  LITTLE LEARNERS EDUCATIONAL CENTER

COOK / KITCHEN ASSISTANT – JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Cook / Kitchen Assistant
Reports To: Center Director
Position Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

The Cook / Kitchen Assistant is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized kitchen at Little Learners Educational Center.

This position supports the health and well-being of children by following approved menus, individual dietary instructions, food safety standards, and established meal schedules. The Cook / Kitchen Assistant works closely with classroom teachers and Center Director.

A. Meal Preparation and Service

• Prepare and portion nutritious meals and snacks according to approved menus and established schedules.
• Provide age-appropriate portions and follow classroom-specific meal instructions.
• Coordinate accurate meal counts and timely food delivery and collection with classroom staff.
• Follow approved recipes and instructions; communicate any proposed menu substitutions to the Center Director before making changes.
• Handle, prepare, and serve food in a manner that minimizes waste while maintaining quality and safety.

B. Food Allergies and Dietary Accommodations

• Review and follow documented food allergies, dietary restrictions, and individual meal plans before preparing or serving food.
• Prevent allergen cross-contact by using appropriate preparation, storage, cleaning, and serving procedures.
• Verify any unclear dietary instructions with the Center Director before serving the affected child.
• Keep children’s dietary and medical information confidential and share it only with authorized staff who need the information.

C. Food Safety and Sanitation

• Follow required handwashing, glove-use, food-handling, and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain safe food temperatures during preparation, storage, and service; complete required temperature logs.
• Store raw and ready-to-eat foods safely; label and date items and rotate supplies using first-in, first-out practices.
• Wash, rinse, sanitize, and put away dishes, utensils, cookware, and food-service equipment.
• Clean and sanitize counters, sinks, appliances, carts, work surfaces, and assigned kitchen areas daily.
• Report suspected contamination, unsafe food, pests, equipment problems, or other health and safety concerns immediately.

D. Inventory and Kitchen Organization

• Receive and inspect food and supply deliveries and store items promptly in designated areas.
• Keep pantry, refrigerator, freezer, and storage spaces clean, labeled, and organized.
• Monitor stock levels, expiration dates, and food waste; promptly communicate purchasing needs and shortages.
• Use food, cleaning products, and kitchen supplies responsibly and within approved procedures.
• Maintain a neat, professional, and inspection-ready kitchen.

E. Communication and Teamwork

• Communicate respectfully and cooperatively with teachers, administrators, and other employees.
• Notify classroom staff and the Center Director promptly of delays, shortages, or changes affecting meal service.
• Follow center policies and procedures and complete assigned kitchen checklists and records accurately.
• Assist with other reasonable kitchen and food-service tasks as assigned.

F. Qualifications

• Dependable, punctual, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks and meal-service deadlines.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, safe food handling, and sanitation practices; prior food-service experience preferred.
• Maintain Illinois food-handler training or certification as required for the position and applicable law.
• Ability to read and follow menus, recipes, written dietary instructions, and cleaning procedures.
• Meet applicable employment, health, training, and background-check requirements.

G. Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and perform bending, reaching, and repetitive kitchen tasks.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, using assistance or appropriate equipment when needed.
• Ability to work safely around hot equipment, sharp utensils, cleaning products, and refrigerated or frozen areas.

H. Performance Expectations

• Consistent delivery of accurate, timely, and nutritious meals and snacks.
• Careful adherence to allergy instructions, food safety practices, and sanitation standards.
• A clean, organized kitchen and complete required logs and checklists.
• Responsible inventory practices, waste reduction, and prompt communication of supply needs.
• Professionalism, teamwork, dependability, and compliance with center policies.

Position Goal

To provide safe, nutritious, and timely meal service while maintaining a clean and well-organized kitchen that supports the health, safety, and daily operations of Little Learners Educational Center.

Family owned and operated Day Care Center in Arlington Heights caring for children 6 weeks to 6 years of age.

Company Description

Family owned and operated Day Care Center in Arlington Heights caring for children 6 weeks to 6 years of age.