Cook

The Cook & Kitchen Coordinator at Laura's Barn Preschool & Child Care Center plays a vital role in nourishing young learners by preparing healthy, homemade meals and snacks while accommodating dietary restrictions. This role goes beyond cooking—it includes menu planning, shopping, baking from scratch, and leading youth cooking activities where children can learn basic culinary skills. As the first team member on-site , the Cook will also help open the center , turning on lights, heaters, and ensuring the facility is ready for the day. Additionally, the Cook will maintain an Airtable spreadsheet of recipes, updating the live menu on our website so families can reference what their child has eaten. Hilby Avenue, Seaside Job Hours 7:00 am. -3:00 pm. Wage $23 - $25 per hour Benefits available after completion of 90 day probation. Medical/Dental/Vision/401K & Paid Federal Holidays/Sick Pay 48 hour accumulated annually. Qualifications High School Diploma or GED (required) Experience in cooking, baking, or food preparation (preferred in a child care or school setting) Ability to plan meals around dietary restrictions (e.g., allergies, cultural preferences) Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen sanitation practices Must pass Live Scan background check, TB test, and required immunizations Completion of Mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training (or willingness to complete) Key Responsibilities Plan and prepare nutritious, scratch-made meals and snacks for children. Ensure all menu items meet dietary restrictions and food safety guidelines . Bake fresh, child-friendly treats while using wholesome ingredients. Post weekly menus to the center’s website and update the Airtable recipe spreadsheet with any substitutions. Kitchen & Food Safety Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen . Follow California health and safety codes for food preparation in child care settings. Store food items properly and track inventory. Grocery Shopping & Ingredient Management Shop for fresh ingredients weekly, ensuring quality and variety. Keep track of food supply inventory and prevent waste. Student Cooking & Learning Activities Lead a youth cooking class , allowing children to measure and assemble their own afternoon snack . Teach basic food prep, nutrition, and kitchen safety in an engaging, hands-on way. Facility Opening & Morning Preparation Arrive first on-site to open the center. Turn on lights, heaters, and ensure classrooms are ready for the day. Laundering of Student Nap Sheets & Kitchen Towels Collect, wash, and return nap sheets, towels, and kitchen linens . Maintain a weekly laundry schedule . Administrative & Record-Keeping Tasks Maintain an Airtable spreadsheet with recipes, ensuring it stays updated. Correct live menu substitutions when changes are made. Work with administrators to ensure meals are compliant with nutritional guidelines . More About Preferred Skills Experience leading youth cooking or food-based learning activities Knowledge of nutrition for young children Strong organizational skills for tracking recipes and updating spreadsheets Comfortable with basic Airtable use for menu tracking Enjoys working in a fast-paced, child-friendly environment Why Join Laura’s Barn? Supportive, family-centered team Opportunities for professional growth & training The chance to create meals that nourish and delight young learners #J-18808-Ljbffr LB3C