Overview
We are seeking a reliable, organized, and caring Daycare Cook to prepare nutritious, balanced, and child-friendly meals and snacks for children in our daycare. The successful candidate will maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, follow food safety regulations, accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, and ensure meals are prepared and served according to the daycare’s daily schedule.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook daily meals and snacks, including breakfast, lunch, and scheduled snacks.
- Follow the daycare’s approved menus and ensure meals are nutritious, balanced, and appropriate for young children.
- Prepare meals according to individual dietary requirements, food allergies, intolerances, and other special dietary needs.
- Follow proper food preparation, handling, storage, and sanitation procedures at all times.
- Take appropriate precautions to prevent cross-contamination, particularly when preparing meals for children with food allergies.
- Check and record food temperatures as required.
- Maintain proper records related to food preparation, temperatures, cleaning, and menus.
- Receive food deliveries and check the quality, quantity, and condition of food supplies.
- Properly label, date, organize, and store food items according to food safety requirements.
- Monitor food supplies and inventory and inform management when items need to be reordered.
- Check expiration dates and safely dispose of expired, spoiled, or unsafe food.
- Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, including counters, floors, sinks, appliances, dishes, utensils, and food preparation areas.
- Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment regularly and after use.
- Operate kitchen appliances and equipment safely and report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
- Prepare appropriate portion sizes based on the children’s age and the daycare’s guidelines.
- Help reduce food waste while ensuring that children receive adequate and nutritious meals.
- Assist with menu planning and meal preparation as requested by the daycare director or supervisor.
- Follow all daycare policies and applicable public health, food safety, and workplace health and safety requirements.
- Communicate effectively with daycare staff regarding menus, allergies, dietary concerns, supplies, and food-related issues.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with children, families, and staff.
- Perform additional kitchen and food-service duties as assigned by the daycare director or supervisor.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in cooking or food preparation is preferred.
- Experience working in a daycare, school, childcare, healthcare, or similar environment is an asset.
- Food Handler certification, where required.
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food storage practices.
- Knowledge and understanding of food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Ability to prepare healthy and appealing meals for young children.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to follow menus, recipes, instructions, and food safety procedures.
- Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with daycare staff.
- Reliable, punctual, responsible, and dependable.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
Pay: From $20.40 per hour
Work Location: In person
