Cook

Position Summary:

The Child Care / Head Start Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks to children in accordance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. This position ensures that meal preparation and kitchen operations meet all health, safety, and sanitation standards. The cook will also maintain accurate CACFP paperwork and records as required by program regulations.

Position Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals and snacks for children according to approved menus and CACFP requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times.
• Order, receive, and store food and kitchen supplies properly and according to safety standards.
• Accurately complete all required CACFP paperwork, including daily meal production records, menus, and attendance forms.
• Monitor portion sizes and meal components to ensure compliance with CACFP guidelines.
• Coordinate with staff to accommodate special dietary needs and allergies.
• Follow safe food handling and storage procedures.
• Participate in kitchen and food service inspections and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal food safety standards.
• Maintain inventory and notify supervisor of needed supplies.
• Attend required training and staff meetings as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competency Statements: 

• Ability to plan and prepare nutritious meals in compliance with CACFP guidelines. 
• Ability to maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen and follow safe food handling procedures. 
• Ability to manage food inventory, ordering, and required CACFP documentation accurately.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This role has no supervisory responsibilities.  

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, including evenings, and potentially weekends. Work hours and shifts may vary based on business needs. 

Required Minimum Job Qualifications, Experience, and Education: 

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Experience: 

• Previous experience working as a cook, preferably in a child care, Head Start, or similar setting.
• Experience and working knowledge of CACFP paperwork and meal pattern requirements is a must.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and safe food handling procedures.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with staff and families.

Preferred Skills: 

• Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred.  
• Food Handler’s Permit or Food Service Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Position Requirements: 

• Clearance of Background Check
• TB Screening and Physical Exam