What are the responsibilities and job description for the Childcare Licensed Center - Cook position at Happy Feet Academy?
Childcare Cook | Little Plates. Big Smiles. A Whole Lot of Heart!
At Happy Feet Academy, we believe that happy children start with healthy bodies, full bellies, and a whole lot of love! Every meal is an opportunity to fuel growing minds, encourage healthy habits, and bring a little extra happiness to a child's day.
We're looking for a dependable, organized, and enthusiastic Childcare Cook to join our Happy Feet family!
Our kitchen is more than a place where meals are prepared. It's where nutritious food, thoughtful planning, and a passion for children come together. From preparing breakfast to serving lunch and snacks, you'll play an important role in keeping our little learners happy, healthy, and ready for their next adventure.
If you love cooking, take pride in a clean and organized kitchen, and enjoy knowing your work makes a difference, we would love to meet you!
What You'll Be Cooking Up!
As our Childcare Cook, you'll be responsible for making sure our children receive safe, nutritious, and delicious meals throughout the day.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and serving nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks that meet USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements.
- Following established menus, recipes, portion sizes, and nutritional guidelines to ensure every child receives balanced meals.
- Helping develop creative, child friendly menus that introduce little learners to a variety of healthy foods.
- Accommodating documented food allergies, dietary restrictions, and individual nutritional needs with care and attention.
- Maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen in accordance with food safety standards and childcare licensing requirements.
- Safely operating and maintaining kitchen equipment, including ovens, ranges, dishwashers, and other food preparation appliances.
- Managing food preparation schedules to ensure meals and snacks are ready on time for our busy classrooms.
- Monitoring food inventory, assisting with grocery orders, and reducing unnecessary food waste.
- Maintaining accurate food service records and documentation required by USDA, CACFP, and applicable childcare regulations.
- Working closely with our teachers and leadership team to make mealtimes safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone.
The Ingredients for Success!
We're looking for someone who brings more than cooking skills to the table. Our ideal candidate is someone who takes initiative, pays attention to the little details, and understands the importance of providing consistent, high quality meals to young children.
We would love to find someone who has:
- Previous cooking or food preparation experience in a childcare center, school, restaurant, or other food service environment.
- Knowledge of USDA and CACFP meal patterns, nutritional requirements, and portion guidelines, or a willingness to learn.
- Experience preparing meals for larger groups while maintaining quality, consistency, and food safety.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- A solid understanding of food handling, sanitation, allergen awareness, and kitchen safety practices.
- The ability to work independently, follow established procedures, and manage multiple responsibilities.
- A positive attitude, dependable work ethic, and willingness to support the Happy Feet team.
- A genuine appreciation for children and the important role nutrition plays in their growth and development.
Experience in a licensed childcare kitchen is a plus, but we also welcome applicants with transferable cooking and food service experience who are excited to learn!
Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19 - $22