Daycare Center - Cook

The Center Cook is responsible for guaranteeing that the children are served nutritious, good-tasting, and appealing meals and snacks under the supervision of the Nutrition Coordinator. It is the Center Cook’s responsibility to prepare these meals and snacks using methods that maintain high nutrient levels and are sanitary. The Center Cook also must deliver meals to the classroom suitable for the children’s age and development. The Center Cook keeps records required by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This position involves extensive organizing, problem-solving, record-keeping, and time management.

Essential Functions

• Plans and prepares foods in accordance with the CACFP Policy “Menus and Recipes”.
• Notes all modifications and substitutes on posted menu and for CACFP records.
• Prepares meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients is lost from foods, that ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and that there are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need.
• Maintains established standards for sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments; maintains an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen.
• With the guidance of the Nutrition Coordinator, modifies menus and recipes and prepares foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies.
• Delivers foods from the kitchen to the classrooms ready to be served as suitable for the children’s age and development.
• Shares duties with the Nutrition Coordinator for efficient functioning of the food service program.
• Assures the proper care and maintenance of all food service equipment; identifies equipment needs for food preparation.
• Assists teachers with developing food activities for the children in the classrooms.
• Cooperates with and participates in nutrition education activities for staff, parents, and children.
• Participates in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities.
• Attends and participates in trainings, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career, and professional development opportunities.
• Participates in general staff meetings and other meetings and events planned by the Director.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

CACFP Requirements

All employees of A Child’s Life are required to participate/operate under the Child and Adult Care Food Program rules and regulations. Lead Teachers, Teachers, Substitutes, Office Personnel, Cooks, Director, and all other employees must follow guidelines set forth in the following policies: Code of Conduct, Compensation, Confidentiality, Edit Check, Non-Discrimination, Non-Pricing Program, Outside Employment, and Conflict of Interest. A Child’s Life is and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Competencies

• Values
• Inclusion
• Relationships
• Quality Results
• Communication
• Functional

Qualifications – Required

• Minimum age of 21.
• High School Diploma or its equivalent; AND
• Have an active Food Handlers Certificate.
• Adult and Child CPR or CPR/PR, First Aid, and AED certifications within 30 days of hire date.
• Able properly measure out portion sizes as defined in CACFP guidelines AND
• Able to properly create weekly food menus as define din CACFP guidelines.
• Excellent organizational and cleaning skills.
• Must be able to shop on a daily/weekly basis at local grocery stores to gather needed supplies for cooking/cleaning in the kitchen.
• Must possess personal qualifications including: emotional maturity, respect for children and adults from various cultures and backgrounds, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that do not interfere with responsibilities.

Work Conditions

• Perform all physical aspects of the position, including frequently moving around, bending, reaching, and lifting to 50 pounds at a time.
• Ability to recognize and react calmly, quickly, and effectively in hazardous/dangerous situations.
• Provide children with nutritious and appealing food for each meal through out the day.
• May be exposed to verbal outbursts, physical actions or bodily fluids as a part of the childcare environment.

Job-Type: Part Time

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Pay: $10.00 - $12.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Have you worked as a center cook in a licensed childcare facility before?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $10 - $12