About the Position Discovery Corner is seeking a dependable, organized, energetic Childcare Cook / Teacher for a unique dual-role position combining responsibility for our center's food-service program with classroom teaching and child supervision. The ideal candidate enjoys both working with children and managing a childcare kitchen, can independently handle food ordering and meal preparation, understands the importance of food safety and allergies, and is comfortable transitioning into the classroom when kitchen responsibilities are completed. This is a hands-on position. The selected candidate must be able to meet the requirements to work as classroom staff in a licensed childcare center. Kitchen & Food-Service Responsibilities  Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to the center's approved menu.  Prepare appropriate quantities based on daily child attendance and meal counts.  Follow CACFP portion requirements and applicable food-program procedures.  Manage food and milk inventory.  Complete food and milk ordering by established weekly deadlines.  Receive food deliveries, verify orders, and immediately store refrigerated and frozen products.  Track delivered and outstanding items and maintain accurate ordering records.  Monitor expiration dates and rotate inventory using FIFO procedures.  Maintain refrigerator, freezer, pantry, and food-storage organization.  Maintain required refrigerator, freezer, and food temperature logs.  Follow all food-safety and sanitation requirements. Allergy & Special Diet Responsibilities  Maintain the current allergy and dietary-restriction list in the kitchen.  Review allergy information before preparing and distributing meals.  Communicate allergy and dietary information with classroom teachers.  Ensure classrooms receive updated allergy information.  Follow required procedures to prevent cross-contact.  Immediately contact Admin if there is any uncertainty regarding a child's allergy, dietary restriction, or approved food substitute. Food-Service Sanitation  Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen throughout the workday.  Clean and sanitize food-preparation areas, kitchen equipment, dishes, utensils, counters, sinks, and other food-service surfaces.  Keep food-storage areas organized and inspection-ready.  Monitor the cleanliness of food-serving utensils and equipment used in classrooms.  Remind classroom staff when food-service equipment requires cleaning or sanitizing.  Report repeated or unresolved sanitation concerns to Admin.

Classroom / Teacher

Responsibilities When assigned to classroom duties, the Cook / Teacher will:  Provide direct supervision and care for children.  Maintain required staff-to-child ratios.  Assist with classroom routines, transitions, meals, rest periods, and activities.  Engage children in age-appropriate learning and play experiences.  Support implementation of the center's curriculum and lesson plans.  Maintain a safe, nurturing, positive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.  Assist with classroom organization and cleanliness.  Observe children and communicate relevant classroom information to the Lead Teacher or Admin.  Follow behavior-management and positive-guidance practices.  Communicate professionally with children, teachers, families, and administration.  Follow all center policies, licensing requirements, health and safety procedures, and supervision expectations. Dual-Role Expectations The successful candidate must be comfortable transitioning between kitchen and classroom responsibilities based on the center's daily operational needs. Kitchen responsibilities, required food-safety documentation, meal preparation, and food storage must be properly completed before transitioning to classroom duties unless otherwise directed by the Center Director.

The employee is expected to:

 Manage time effectively between both responsibilities.  Work independently without repeated reminders.  Communicate with Admin regarding food shortages, kitchen concerns, or classroom needs.  Be flexible when classroom coverage is required.  Maintain professional and positive communication throughout the workday.  Contribute to a warm and welcoming childcare environment. Qualifications  Previous childcare, preschool, daycare, food-service, or kitchen experience preferred.  Experience preparing meals for groups preferred.  Must meet applicable New Jersey childcare requirements to work in a classroom.  Ability and willingness to supervise and interact with young children.  Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, allergies, and safe food handling preferred.  CACFP experience is a plus.  Strong organizational and time-management skills.  Ability to maintain accurate logs, inventory, and food-ordering records.  Dependable attendance and punctuality.  Ability to communicate professionally with staff, families, and management.  Must satisfy applicable background-check, health, training, and childcare employment requirements. Physical Requirements The position requires the ability to:  Stand and move for extended periods.  Safely lift and move food, supplies, and classroom materials.  Perform routine kitchen cleaning and sanitation.  Bend, reach, and perform duties associated with working in a childcare classroom.  Safely supervise and assist young children. Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable preparing meals in the kitchen and interacting with children in the classroom. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, friendly, flexible, takes ownership of responsibilities, and understands that food service, sanitation, child safety, and classroom supervision are all important parts of providing high-quality childcare. Apply Please submit your resume highlighting your childcare, teaching, cooking, food- service, or kitchen experience. Candidates with experience in both childcare and food service are strongly encouraged to apply. Discovery Corner is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay:

From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person