Head Cook / Kitchen Manager Project Youth Daycare Rock Valley, IA Pay $14.50-$18.00 per hour , based on experience and qualifications. Job Type Full-Time Monday-Friday Day Shift No nights, weekends, or major holidays Benefits Up to $500 Sign-On Bonus Paid Holidays Paid Time Off (PTO) 50% Childcare Discount Free meals while working Colonial Life Insurance options Annual performance-based raises Leadership opportunity in a supportive, family-oriented workplace About Us Project Youth Daycare is a growing childcare center committed to providing healthy, nutritious meals in a safe and nurturing environment. We are seeking a dependable, organized, and experienced Head Cook to lead our kitchen operations and ensure our children receive high-quality meals that meet all CACFP requirements. If you enjoy cooking, leading a team, and working a consistent Monday-Friday schedule with evenings and weekends off, we'd love to hear from you! Responsibilities Lead the daily operations of the daycare kitchen. Prepare and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks following CACFP guidelines. Create monthly menus that meet CACFP nutrition requirements. Maintain food production records and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Prepare meals for children with allergies and special dietary needs. Supervise, mentor, and train kitchen staff. Ensure kitchen staff complete daily responsibilities and maintain cleanliness standards. Hold staff accountable for food quality, sanitation, and accuracy. Order food and kitchen supplies while maintaining organized inventory. Maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance needs. Wash dishes and keep the kitchen clean and sanitized. Communicate with the Daycare Director regarding staffing, supplies, equipment, and kitchen operations. Qualifications High school diploma or GED required. One or more years of cooking, school nutrition, daycare, restaurant, or food service experience preferred. Leadership or supervisory experience is preferred. Knowledge of CACFP guidelines is a plus (training provided if needed). Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices. Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to work independently while leading a team. CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain after hire). Must successfully pass a criminal background check. Physical Requirements Ability to stand for extended periods. Frequently bend, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Why Join Project Youth Daycare? At Project Youth Daycare, you'll play a key leadership role in providing healthy meals for children while supporting a dedicated team. We value our employees and offer a positive work environment, predictable weekday hours, and opportunities for professional growth. Schedule Monday to Friday Day Shift No Evenings No Weekends Work Location Project Youth Daycare 2707 Discovery Drive Rock Valley, IA 51247 Suggested Indeed Skills Food Preparation Kitchen Management Team Leadership Food Safety & Sanitation Meal Planning Inventory Management Communication Time Management Child Nutrition CACFP (preferred)

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$15.50 - $18.00 per hour Expected hours: 32.0 - 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Paid time off

Shift:

Morning shift Shift availability: Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person