Bright Starts Co-operative Early Learning Centre Inc.
Position: Full-time Kitchen Assistant Cook
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary Range: $ 21.81- $ 28.11 per hour, plus benefits
Vacancy Status: Existing
Start Date: Immediately
Company Description: Serving the University of Waterloo and the surrounding community, Bright Starts Co-operative Early Learning Centre Inc. is a registered non-profit charitable organization providing high-quality childcare and early learning experiences. We have a licensed operating capacity of 181 children ranging in age from 0 – 6 years. Bright Starts CELC strives to promote a positive, safe, loving, nurturing and home-like atmosphere where our children's health, safety, nutrition and well-being are of the utmost importance. We encourage mutual respect, patience and creativity in an inclusive environment while viewing children as competent, capable, curious and rich in potential. Using How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years (2014) to guide our programming and pedagogy. We provide a positive framework to support our children and families in an environment that promotes belonging, engagement, expression, and well-being.
Job Opportunity:
We are looking for a reliable, attentive, and team‑oriented Assistant Cook to support our kitchen operations. The Assistant Cook will help plan and prepare nutritious, child‑friendly meals while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety, and organization. Responsibilities include assisting with meal preparation, ensuring proper sanitation of kitchen areas and equipment, receiving and storing food deliveries, and supporting the facility’s laundry needs. This position plays an important part in creating a healthy, welcoming environment for the children in our care.
Qualifications:
- Valid Ontario Safe Food Handlers Certificate
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screen issued within 6 months
- Up-to-date immunizations (or a notarized exemption)
- Previous kitchen or food‑service experience required
- This position requires the ability to lift up to 40 lbs while performing kitchen and laundry-related tasks
- Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 steps Training Certificate would be an asset
- Valid certification in Standard First Aid and CPR would be an asset
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) customer service training would be an asset
- Ontario Human Rights Code training would be an asset
Skills:
- Knowledgeable in food safety and nutrition
- Familiar with Ministry of Health guidelines and hygiene practices
- Able to thrive in fast-paced environments and manage multiple tasks
- Detail-oriented and able to follow instructions accurately
- Reliable, punctual and flexible
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
- Committed to inclusive, culturally responsive, and respectful food practices that support the diverse needs of children
Key Responsibilities
- Food Preparation Support — Assist the Cook with preparing nutritious, child‑friendly meals and snacks in accordance with centre menus and dietary requirements.
- Kitchen Hygiene & Safety — Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment, following all public health and licensing regulations.
- Dishwashing & Sanitizing — Clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, food preparation surfaces, and equipment throughout the day.
- Food Delivery — Assist with the safe and timely delivery of meals and snacks to programs.
- Laundry Support — Support the centre’s laundry needs, including washing, drying, folding, and storing linens as required.
Bright Starts CELC respects, appreciates, and actively encourages diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from all individuals with diverse experiences based on race, ethnic origin, religion, age, colour, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, or disability, including women, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous Peoples, and other visible minorities.
Bright Starts CELC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process.
No artificial intelligence is used to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.
Please only apply to this posting if you hold the specified qualifications outlined.
Interested applicants, please forward your cover letter and resume to the attention of:
Heidi Nielsen, Employee Engagement and Workforce Manager
[email protected] or
Fax 519-886-5437
I appreciate your interest in Bright Starts CELC; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $21.81-$28.11 per hour
Benefits:
- Extended health care
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
