Preschool Cook

Preschool Cook / Childcare Center Cook

Join Our School Family!

We are looking for a dependable, organized, and experienced Preschool Cook to join our team! Our ideal candidate enjoys working in a school environment, takes pride in preparing nutritious meals for children, and can confidently manage the daily responsibilities of a busy, high-volume kitchen.

This position is responsible for more than cooking. We need someone who can manage food ordering, receive and properly store deliveries, maintain accurate inventory, plan and follow menus, and ensure meals are prepared and served according to food safety standards and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Service

• Prepare and cook nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for a large preschool/childcare center.
• Follow established menus, recipes, serving schedules, and portion requirements.
• Assist with creating and updating menus that meet CACFP meal-pattern requirements.
• Prepare meals in quantities appropriate for a large school population.
• Accommodate documented food allergies, dietary restrictions, and approved meal modifications.
• Ensure meals are prepared and ready for classroom service on time.

Food Ordering & Inventory Management

• Create and submit food orders based on planned menus, enrollment, and inventory needs.
• Receive food deliveries and verify orders for accuracy, quality, and completeness.
• Physically unload, lift, carry, organize, and put away food orders.
• Properly rotate and store food using FIFO (First In, First Out) practices.
• Maintain organized and accurate food inventory.
• Monitor food quantities to reduce waste and avoid shortages.
• Track needed supplies and communicate ordering concerns to leadership.

CACFP Compliance & Food Safety

• Follow CACFP guidelines, approved menus, meal components, and portion requirements.
• Maintain required food-service documentation and assist with CACFP recordkeeping.
• Follow proper food handling, storage, temperature monitoring, and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain awareness of food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Keep the kitchen, storage areas, refrigerators, freezers, and food-preparation surfaces clean, sanitary, and organized.
• Follow all applicable health department requirements and company food-service policies.
• Maintain readiness for health inspections and food-program reviews.

Kitchen Organization & Daily Operations

• Independently manage the daily workflow of a busy school kitchen.
• Wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, utensils, cookware, and kitchen equipment.
• Complete daily and weekly kitchen cleaning responsibilities.
• Maintain a clean, clutter-free, and organized kitchen.
• Communicate food shortages, equipment concerns, and supply needs promptly.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers and the leadership team to ensure timely meal service.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking or food-service experience preferred; experience in a preschool, childcare center, school cafeteria, or other high-volume kitchen is a plus.
• Knowledge of CACFP guidelines preferred; willingness and ability to learn and consistently follow CACFP requirements is essential.
• Ability to plan, prepare, and serve meals for a large number of children.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with food ordering, receiving deliveries, and inventory management.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food storage practices.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, portion requirements, and dietary instructions.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to manage time effectively.
• Comfortable working independently while communicating with a team.
• Must meet applicable childcare licensing, background-check, and food-handler requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Regularly unload, receive, lift, transport, and put away food deliveries.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Ability to safely operate standard commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

What We're Looking For

We would love to welcome someone who is:

• Reliable and takes ownership of daily kitchen responsibilities.
• Organized and able to keep inventory, food orders, and kitchen operations running smoothly.
• Proactive in anticipating food and supply needs.
• Detail-oriented and committed to food safety, allergies, documentation, and CACFP compliance.
• Team-oriented and able to communicate effectively with teachers and leadership.
• Positive, professional, and passionate about supporting young children.

Why Join Our Team?

Our cook plays an essential role in helping our children have a happy, healthy, and successful school day. We value teamwork, dependability, and a positive school culture.

If you enjoy cooking, staying organized, and making a difference in the lives of young children, we would love to meet you!

Apply today to become part of our school family!

Pay: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person