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Food Specialist

Educare Learning Center
Joliet, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/8/2026

Job Summary:
This position will be for the summer and possibly continuing on into the fall through the next school year. We are seeking an experienced Food Specialist to join our team. As our food specialist, you will play a crucial role in providing nutritious and balanced meals to children attending our early learning facility. Your primary responsibility will be to plan, prepare, and serve meals that meet the dietary needs and requirements of the young children in our care. Additionally, you will maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment, adhere to food safety standards, and collaborate with classroom teachers to enhance our menus to serve appealing meals. Currently the hours of this position would be M-F from 9 until about 12.

Responsibilities:
-Meal Planning: Create a 4-week rotating menu that incorporates a variety of nutritious foods suitable for young children, taking into account dietary guidelines put forth by DCFS and any specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

-Food Preparation: Prepare and cook meals from scratch using fresh ingredients, following recipes and portion sizes appropriate for children's age groups.

-Food Safety: Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen area; including proper storage, handling, and labeling of food items to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.

-Meal Service: Pass out meals to classrooms in family-style containers for the teachers to serve the children from.

-Kitchen Management: Manage inventory of food supplies and kitchen equipment, and coordinate with management to place orders for needed items. Food specialist are responsible for picking up orders for the kitchen weekly from local vendors.

Qualifications:
- Previous experience working as a cook or chef, preferably in a childcare setting or similar environment.
- Food manager safety certification is required.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices in food handling and sanitation. - Excellent time management skills, strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as collaboratively within a team.
- Strong math skills for measurements and calculations

Working Conditions:
- Work hours typically coincide with center operating hours, which may include early mornings, and occasional evenings for staff meetings.
- Exposure to kitchen equipment, heat, and food odors. - Interaction with children and teaching staff in a busy environment.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • Employee discount
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid time off
  • Paid training

Shift:

  • Day shift

License/Certification:

  • Food Manager Safety Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $17

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