Cook

Primary Responsibilities

Daily Tasks:

• Meal Preparation: Follow the menu plan and prepare balanced meals and snacks that meet preschoolers’ nutritional needs.

• Safe Food Handling: Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in food preparation areas, equipment, and utensils before and after use.

• Serving & Supervision: Assist in serving meals promptly, ensuring children eat safely, and monitor for allergic reactions.

• Food Allergy Management: Check dietary restrictions and prevent cross-contamination by preparing separate meals when necessary.

• Record Keeping: Track meals served, maintain meal counts, and document food waste to adjust portion sizes accordingly.

Weekly Tasks:

• Menu Planning: Develop and update weekly meal plans incorporating variety, cultural diversity, and seasonal ingredients.

• Inventory & Grocery Shopping: Check kitchen supplies, create shopping lists, and purchase fresh ingredients while managing expiration dates.

• Special Dietary Needs: Ensure proper meal preparation for children with specific dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free).

Monthly Tasks:

• Deep Cleaning: Clean kitchen appliances, organize pantry storage, and rotate stock to use older items first.

• Nutritional Compliance: Stay informed on child nutrition guidelines and adjust meals to meet evolving health regulations.

• Staff Collaboration: Communicate with teachers and administrators about food preferences, allergies, and dietary concerns.

• CACFP Compliance: Maintain accurate records and submit required documentation and claims for reimbursement.

Yearly Tasks:

• Training & Certification: Complete required food safety training and stay compliant with licensing regulations.

• Regulatory Updates: Attend mandatory training sessions conducted by licensing agencies or the preschool.

As Needed:

• • Emergency Meals: Prepare meals or snacks in unexpected situations (e.g., weather closures, staffing shortages).

  • Recipe Development: Create and test new nutritious recipes that encourage healthy eating habits in children.

  • Special Event Catering: Prepare meals for school events and family engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Culinary Skills – Ability to prepare balanced, nutritious meals and snacks for preschool-aged children.
• Food Safety & Sanitation – Knowledge of proper food handling, storage, and HACCP guidelines.
• Time Management – Ability to efficiently plan and prepare meals within a set schedule.
• Organization – Maintaining inventory, restocking supplies, and keeping records of food preparation.
• Attention to Detail – Ensuring correct portions, avoiding cross-contamination, and adhering to dietary restrictions.
• Communication & Teamwork – Collaborating with staff to address food preferences, allergies, and special requests.
• Creativity – Developing fun, appealing meal presentations that encourage healthy eating habits in young children.
  
  
  

Other Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Previous experience as a cook, preferably in a preschool, daycare, or similar setting.

• Familiarity with CACFP guidelines and child nutrition standards.

• Ability to work independently and maintain a clean and organized kitchen.

• Current food handler’s certification or willingness to obtain one before employment.

• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift/carry heavy items.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess personal attributes needed to develop trusting relationships with children and adults. Such attributes include the following:

• Interactions expressive of genuine warmth and concern for children as well as an understanding of their developmental needs.

• Respect for children’s ideas, feelings, abilities and differences.
• Insights into and tolerance for the range of age appropriate behavior.
• Ability to assume needed duties and responsibilities without supervision.
• Ability to use discretion in communications with parents in the Teacher ‘s absence.
• Ability to move and react quickly and to handle emergencies effectively.
• Ability to abide by all rules and regulations applicable to workers of the center.
• Ability to accept changes in schedules, environment, etc…
• Acquire knowledge of the current curriculum and implement the curriculum practices in the classroom.