Cook, Preschool

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

The Cook is accountable for planning, preparing, and serving healthy meals and snacks to children enrolled in the early learning center, adhering to CACFP guidelines, state regulations, and center policies. In this role, the Cook upholds a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment, promoting the health, nutrition, and well-being of young children.

• Prepare and present breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with CACFP meal patterns and menus, ensuring timely and accurate service.
• Serve meals at the right temperatures, guaranteeing quality and freshness.
• Accommodate dietary requirements and special needs as directed by the centre.
• Manage food portions and meal counts, meeting CACFP requirements and standards.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, and freshness.

• Follow all CACFP regulations, documentation requirements, and guidelines.
• Keep accurate records of meal production, temperature logs, inventory, and food program paperwork.
• Cooperate with CACFP monitoring visits and audits.
• Ensure meals meet the USDA nutritional standards.
• Collaborate with the team to plan menus supporting healthy eating habits and child development.

• Ensure the kitchen, storage areas, and food storage are clean, organized, and meet sanitary standards.
• Adhere to proper food handling, sanitation, and infection control procedures.
• Operate kitchen equipment with caution and responsibility.
• Monitor food expiration dates, implement FIFO procedures for inventory rotation.
• Comply with local health department regulations.

• Maintain an adequate inventory of food and kitchen supplies.
• Assist with ordering food and supplies within budget constraints.
• Receive and store deliveries efficiently.

• Foster positive communication with staff, children, and families.
• Work collaboratively with classroom staff during meal service.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Support the centre’s mission of providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children.

• Ability to pass a background check
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Previous experience in food service, childcare nutrition, school nutrition, or commercial kitchen preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Food Handler Certification or ServSafe Certification required (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to safely lift food boxes, kitchen supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to work in hot and cold kitchen environments.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of CACFP guidelines preferred or willingness to learn.
• Frequent standing, bending, lifting, and walking.
• Ability to work with the team to plan menus supporting healthy eating habits and child development.

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Professional Development

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