Cook

About This Role

As a cook in our child care center the cook is someone who will be responsible to prepare safe, nutritious, and appealing meals and snacks for children while maintaining a clean, sanitary, and budget-compliant kitchen. Cook must be able to implement the menus provided by The Learning Gate and follow all guidelines set forth by Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Department of Health, and state licensing.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation: Cook and portion breakfast, lunch, and snacks tailored to the developmental and nutritional needs of young children.
• Menu Planning & Budgeting: Follow weekly menus that comply with USDA, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, state licensing, and health department guidelines while staying within budget.
• Allergy & Dietary Safety: Strictly manage food allergies, intolerances, and special dietary restrictions to prevent cross-contamination.
• Inventory & Ordering: Track food supplies, inspect expiration dates, and order groceries or kitchen necessities as needed.
• Sanitation & Compliance: Wash dishes, sanitize surfaces, manage safe food storage temperatures, and keep the kitchen aligned with local health codes.
• Food Delivery: Distribute meals and snacks to classrooms on a strict daily schedule.

Requirements

Job Requirements & Qualifications

• Age & Background Check: Must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background/vulnerable sector check.
• Certifications: Valid state food handler certification or ServSafe qualification.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long shifts, bend, and lift or carry up to 40–50 pounds.
• Experience: Prior professional cooking or volume food preparation experience, ideally in a school or childcare setting.

Nice To Haves

• ServSafe Qualification
• Knowledge of Child and Adult Care Food Program
• First Aid/Epi-Pen/CPR Trained

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development