Cook - Noah's Place Childcare Center

Position Summary: 

The Cook works as the center nutritionist in the full-day childcare program.  The Cook prepares, produces, heats, cooks, and serves a variety of foods from fresh, canned, dry, or frozen states according to set menus and assists in other related tasks in a designated food service production and/or service area.   

Job Specific Responsibilities: 

• The Cook reports directly to the center director and receives direction from the Site supervisor.  If the Cook has 6-12 ECE units, they can supervise children in the classroom when/as needed. 

• Prepare foods and post menus weekly. 

• Prepares nutritious meals and snacks for enrolled children; prepares substitute items for children on restricted diets. 

• Distributes food to the classroom. 

• Practices safe food handling techniques in food preparation and storage. 

• Plans for and purchases food and necessary supplies needed to provide food service. 

• Maintains verification of food and non-food purchases to meet CCFP (Child Care Food Program) requirements. 

• In collaboration with the Contracted Nutritionist, develops weekly menus to meet CCFP meal pattern requirements. 

• Maintains a safe and sanitary kitchen, pantry and storage areas. 

• Store all food in closed containers before leaving each day. 

• Clean refrigerator weekly. 

• Maintain/clean storage closet, drawers and pantry. 

• Washes all items and counter tops before leaving each day. 

• Sweep/light mop kitchen and eating area daily before leaving each day. 

• If qualified, and for program support may implement daily classroom activities and events guided by the BCM’s primary philosophy. 

• Interacts in a respectful and caring manner with the children by actively participating in their play and learning. 

• Maintains a clean and safe environment for children through general housekeeping. 

• May supervise the children in the classroom, playground, and during nap time. 

• Ensures that all state and local requirements are met for the supervision of the children. 

• Relives other staff members for breaks and lunch when needed for program support 

• Communicates well and frequently with the Lead Teachers. 

• Attend scheduled PDD meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings identified. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• The Cook must have at least 2 years’ experience and a food handlers permit is welcomed but not mandatory. 

• If qualified as the Cook must have at least two years of experience working with children under 3 years of age, preferably in a classroom environment, a high school diploma or equivalent required. 

• Preferred: 3-12 units in Early Childhood Development or enrolled in school.   

• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and TB Risk Assessment; MMR, Tdap, and Influenza immunizations (or valid exemption) 

• Successful completion of background checks, including DOJ, FBI, & CACI 

• Must take the Mandated Reporter Training. 

• Complete all required Licensing Forms and employment forms prior to employment. 

• Attend all Staff Training/Workshops.  

Contingencies related to requirements:  

• This role may require working at multiple program locations depending on operational needs, employees are expected to maintain reliable transportation to ensure they can report to assigned locations as scheduled 

• Copy of your driver’s license  

• Proof of car insurance 

Other Considerations: 

The cook must be able to perform light physical work and have the ability of lifting and carrying children weighing approximately 14 to 30 pounds.  The teacher is required to bend, crouch, lift, kneel and complete other light physical activity as they address the needs of the student.  The person in this position is responsible for maintaining performance under pressure, and handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.  Help to create working conditions that are relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions. 

Child Development employees must be able to perform the following essential functions: 

• Observe, see, hear and respond to infants and toddlers needs, emergencies and conflicts that may occur in the child development center or on the playground. 

• Be aware of the cognitive, social and physical needs of infants and toddlers. 

• Communicate verbally and writing in English/Spanish to the degree that child, parents and other staff members are able to understand and respond. 

• Must love children, be friendly, outgoing, reliable, and have a positive attitude. 

• Must be able to follow guidelines/policies and multi-task.