Cook/Chef

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Child Learning Center prides itself on the kid friendly meals that are served from our state-of-the-art kitchen. We are looking for a passionate Cook to work with our team in meeting the dietary needs of the children we serve. The ideal candidate will first have a love for cooking and second a love for children. You will enjoy working individually in a kitchen on your own. Effective multi-tasking, a passion for food prep and strong commitment to providing nutritious meals and snacks is a must for this busy childcare environment.
The cook oversees all kitchen operations, maintains a safe, clean and sanitary kitchen, and ensures safe food preparation is followed, storage and disposal in accordance with accepted food handling practices, food safety regulation and childcare food guidelines.
The cook is responsible for planning, following budget guidelines, preparing food order, and serving balanced meals and snacks that meet the children’s needs.
The cook for our program will be supportive of Center philosophy, programs and policies to maintain a standard of care that contributes to the centers reputation for excellence.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Meal Planning
• Plan a weekly menu which meets the nutritional needs of children ages infants to school age.
• Prepare all meals – measure and assemble ingredients for the menu items.
• Maintain accurate food inventories as needed and restock as needed weekly
• Properly store food items at appropriate temperatures and as required by licensing regulations
• Collaborate with the administrative staff on children who have allergies or specific dietary needs or nutritional requirements which include: Vegans, vegetarians, lactose intolerant, etc.
• Special preparation of some meals for infant and toddler needs

Abilities:
• Possess basic mathematical skills to calculate various portion sized needed for the specific age groupings
• Be able to establish accurate record keeping
• Work safely around stoves and chemicals
• Physical endurance to spend many hours standing, walking and lifting heavy objects.
Equipment and Facilities
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the kitchen and storage areas
• Develops and complies with a regular sanitization schedule for ovens, refrigerators and other appliances and areas as required or needed.
• Ensures a safe and healthy environment for food preparation
STAFF SUPPORT
• Delivers food from the kitchen to the classrooms ready to be served as suitable for the children’s age and development. We serve family style in the classroom.
• Assists classroom teachers as needed with developing food activities for the children in the classroom.
• Assist with special center events where food service is included
• Performs other duties as needed or assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position as this job involves standing for long periods as well as stooping, squatting, lifting and climbing.
• Proper clothing, shoes and hair restraints according to the Department of Health Standards are to be worn daily.
• Be able to work as a team member with the staff but function individually on your own in the kitchen environment
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• It is preferred that the candidate have course work and training in foods, nutrition and or dietetic.
• High School Diploma/GED required – higher education preferred – preferred some culinary training
• Three years of experience as a cook in a fast- driven environment
• Must be able to comply with Georgia required background/fingerprint check.
• Able to read and follow standardized recipes
• Strong knowledge of proper food handling procedures
• ServeSafe Certification preferred
• Must have or within two months of hire obtain the Food Handlers Certificate
• Will provide Fire Safety Certification training