Job Summary The Enrichment Nest Child Development Center is seeking a dependable, organized, and experienced Childcare Center Cook to join our team. We are looking for someone who understands that preparing meals in a childcare setting is about more than simply meeting food program requirements. We want our children to enjoy their meals! The ideal candidate can prepare delicious, flavorful, kid-friendly meals from scratch or with fresh ingredients while still following childcare food program/CACFP guidelines, portion requirements, nutrition standards, and food-safety regulations. We are looking for a cook who can bring flavor, variety, and creativity to our menu while maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant kitchen.

We want someone who genuinely enjoys cooking and takes pride in the food they prepare. Our ideal cook understands that healthy food does not have to be bland or boring. We want meals that are colorful, flavorful, appealing, and appropriate for young children. Our cook should be able to take a childcare-approved menu and turn it into food that looks good, smells good, and most importantly— tastes good! At the same time, this person must understand the importance of portion requirements, nutrition standards, allergies, sanitation, documentation, and food program compliance. Responsibilities Preparing delicious, flavorful, nutritious, and child-friendly meals that children are excited to eat Preparing breakfast, lunch, snacks, and/or supper according to the center's approved menu Adding appropriate flavor and variety to meals while keeping them suitable for young children Following CACFP/Child Care Food Program meal patterns, portion requirements, and food-component guidelines Understanding age-appropriate portions for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children, as applicable Maintaining accurate food program records, menus, meal counts, production information, and required documentation Following approved menus and properly documenting substitutions when necessary Preparing meals according to children's dietary restrictions, allergies, and special meal requirements Maintaining proper food temperatures and required temperature logs Properly labeling, dating, storing, rotating, and disposing of food Monitoring food and kitchen inventory and communicating ordering needs to administration Receiving and properly storing food deliveries Keeping the kitchen, refrigerator, freezer, storage areas, equipment, and preparation surfaces exceptionally clean and organized Following proper handwashing, glove use, sanitation, cross-contamination prevention, and food-safety procedures Ensuring the kitchen remains inspection-ready at all times Communicating professionally with administration and classroom staff regarding meals, allergies, substitutions, and dietary needs Qualifications Previous childcare food program/CACFP experience is strongly preferred.

Applicants should:

Have experience preparing good-quality, flavorful meals for groups Be comfortable cooking meals that are nutritious and taste good Have previous experience in a childcare center, school, institutional kitchen, senior program, catering environment, or similar setting Have knowledge of CACFP or another regulated food program Understand meal patterns, food components, portion sizes, menu compliance, and documentation Understand food allergies and preventing cross-contact Be knowledgeable about safe food handling, sanitation, proper temperatures, and food storage Be able to follow menus and recipes while bringing appropriate creativity and flavor to meals Be organized and able to maintain accurate records Be dependable, punctual, and able to work independently Be able to pass all background screening requirements for employment in a licensed childcare facility Meet applicable food-handler and food-safety requirements

Pay:

From $15.00 per hour Expected hours: 32.0 per week

Work Location:

In person