Dietary Aide/cook

Dietary Aide / Cook - Position Overview The Dietary Aide / Cook at Little Precious Angels Childcare is responsible for preparing, serving, and maintaining nutritious meals and snacks for children in accordance with CACFP guidelines, state licensing regulations, and program policies. This role ensures that all food preparation areas meet health, safety, and sanitation standards while supporting the dietary needs of infants and children. The Dietary Aide / Cook maintains accurate meal documentation, follows approved menus, accommodates food allergies and special dietary needs, and ensures proper food handling at all times. This position plays a vital role in supporting children's health, growth, and overall well-being through safe, consistent, and nutritious meal service. About 3 Boys and 1 Girl Enterprise Your Little One's Home Away From Home Welcome to Little Precious Angels Childcare in St. Louis, Missouri! We are a professional childcare center enrolling children from 0 weeks to 5 years of age. We offer high-quality childcare, before- and after-school care for ages 3-6 in St. Louis Public Schools Zoning area, however we do not offer transportation. Mission Statement It is the mission of Little Precious Angels Childcare to provide exceptional care and to provide each child a learning, nurturing and safe environment. Our goal is to support a child's desire to be a life-long learner. About Us Little Precious Angels Child Care Center opened in January 2011. During the next three years, LPACC saw a substantial growth. In July 2014 LPACC opened its first center which consisted of 10 children ranging from ages 6wks to 12yrs old. In July 2016, just a few years after LPACC first opened its doors, the center nearly doubled its square footage and, shortly thereafter, its enrollment doubled. In May 2016, a second daycare was added to accommodate a thriving community preschool program. In May 2019 Lpacc expanded our center to accommodate more children waiting for our services. With a larger preschool and our partners at Hatch Learning we were able to add smart boards to our preschool program. Description Job Title Dietary Aide / Cook Program Little Precious Angels Childcare (LPACC) Reports To Director / Assistant Director / Kitchen Manager / Floor Manager Position Summary The Dietary Aide / Cook is responsible for preparing, serving, and maintaining safe, nutritious meals and snacks for children enrolled at Little Precious Angels Childcare. This role ensures full compliance with Missouri DESE child care licensing regulations, CACFP meal guidelines, and health and sanitation standards. The Dietary Aide / Cook supports children's health, growth, and safety through consistent, high-quality food service. Required Experience Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in food preparation, childcare food service, or institutional cooking preferred Experience preparing meals for children or large groups preferred Education Requirements High School Diploma or GED (preferred, not required if equivalent experience is demonstrated) No CDA or college degree required Required Certifications & Trainings ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification - Required Food Handler Certification - Required Completion of all Missouri DESE-required trainings , including but not limited to: Child Abuse & Neglect Emergency Preparedness Fire Safety Caring for Vulnerable Children (as applicable) Current CPR & First Aid Certification (recommended; may be required by program policy) Must successfully complete: Comprehensive background screening Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) Fingerprinting (as required by Missouri) Job Responsibilities Food Preparation & Meal Service Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to approved menus Follow CACFP meal pattern requirements Ensure proper portion sizes for all age groups Accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and medical needs Health, Safety & Sanitation Follow all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene practices Maintain clean and organized kitchen, storage, and serving areas Ensure proper food temperatures, storage, and labeling Follow health department and licensing guidelines at all times Documentation & Compliance Complete daily meal counts and required CACFP documentation Maintain food production records and menu documentation Report food safety concerns or equipment issues immediately Participate in inspections, audits, and monitoring visits Professionalism & Team Support Communicate effectively with administration and classroom staff Maintain confidentiality regarding children's dietary needs Follow LPACC policies and procedures Maintain punctuality, reliability, and accountability Personality & Professional Traits Required The Dietary Aide / Cook must demonstrate: Attention to detail and strong organizational skills Dependability and consistency Ability to follow written menus and procedures Cleanliness and commitment to sanitation Professional communication and teamwork Ability to work independently in a structured environment Physical & Work Requirements Ability to stand for extended periods Ability to lift and carry food supplies and equipment Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment Accreditation & Quality Standards Expectations Support compliance with Missouri Accreditation Standards , CACFP , and DESE licensing requirements Maintain accurate records for audits and inspections Participate in required trainings and professional development Support continuous quality improvement efforts Statement of Commitment Little Precious Angels Childcare is committed to providing safe, nutritious meals that support children's health and development. The Dietary Aide / Cook plays a critical role in maintaining food safety, program compliance, and overall quality of care. Salary $15 - $16 per hour