Cook / Child Care Program Support

YMCA of Oakville; Oakville; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused childcare center in Oakville is seeking a Cook / Child Care Program Support. This role involves preparing nutritious meals and snacks for children while ensuring food safety. Responsibilities include supporting childcare programs and maintaining kitchen standards. Applicants should have a College Diploma in a related field and experience in meal preparation for children, especially those with dietary needs. The position offers competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive pay rate

Comprehensive benefits

Staff Membership to YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility

Qualifications

• Experience preparing food for children, including those with allergies.
• Strong relationship building and communication skills.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR - Level C.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children.
• Support the Junior Centre program and cover breaks.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen space.

Skills

Meal preparation for children

Communication skills

Effective teamwork

Time management skills

Education

College Diploma in a related field

High School Diploma

Job description

YMCA of Oakville, 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:59 AM

Do you love cooking up delicious meals and making a difference in a child’s day?

Join the YMCA of Oakville as a Cook / Child Care Program Support and be the friendly face behind every healthy bite and helping hand. This is your opportunity to shine—in the kitchen and beyond!

As a Cook / Child Care Program Support, you will play a vital role in supporting the health and development of children by preparing nutritious meals and snacks for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Your responsibilities will include setting up food trolleys, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen space, and ensuring all safe food handling practices are followed. You’ll also be responsible for accommodating dietary needs and allergy restrictions, and for keeping accurate, up-to-date kitchen records.

In addition to your kitchen duties, you'll support the Junior Centre program by covering staff breaks and educator documentation time. In the afternoons, you’ll be actively involved in the junior programs, supporting staff and children, and being counted in ratio as part of the educator team.

Location

St. Bernadette YMCA Child Care Centre, Oakville

Work Schedule

Monday to Friday, rotational shifts – must be available from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm (42.5 hours/week)

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive pay rate $21.10 per hour (inclusive of provincial and federal grant) and comprehensive benefits
• Staff Membership to YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, Public Health regulations, and YMCA of Oakville policies and procedures
• Safely store, prepare, and distribute meals/snacks according to food safety standards, allergy requirements, and program schedules
• Follow special dietary instructions as provided by parents
• Adapt menu items as needed for allergies and dietary needs
• Support the delivery of quality programs aligned with YMCA Playing to Learn and Place to Connect curriculums
• Maintain an engaging, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for children daily
• Plan, order, and purchase food items required for the weekly menu, ensuring availability and quality
• Ensures positive, professional communication with families on an ongoing basis, and responds promptly to all requests, queries and concerns
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with other YMCA staff and school personnel
• Collaborates with other YMCA staff members and volunteers to support effective teamwork
• Participates in professional development including staff meetings, workshops and training
• Complete administrative tasks as required to support the smooth operation of the program
• High School Diploma – 18 years or older
• Experience working with children and families
• Experience preparing food, including preparing for children with allergies, and an awareness of religious and alternative dietary restrictions
• Effective teamwork and time management skills
• Strong professional relationship and communication skills
• Current medical (record of necessary immunizations)
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR - Level C
• Clear criminal reference check which includes vulnerable sector screening

Qualifications

• College Diploma in a related field
• Previous experience as a cook or childcare worker

The YMCA is required to comply with all regulations set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you are working under an IRCC-issued work permit, you must provide valid documentation to confirm your work authorization prior to your start date.

Association Core Competencies

The position requires the following: Quality focus, Relationship building and Collaboration, Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, Integrity and Trust, Commitment to Organization Mission, Vision and Values.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position and meet all the above requirements, then click APPLY NOW at the top/bottom of the posting to register/sign in to upload your resume and a cover letter.

The YMCA of Oakville encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Due to a high volume of applications, please note only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

This posting closes on February 19, 2026.

We at the YMCA of Oakville value the diversity of people and communities, and we are committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are an equal opportunity employer. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation or have any questions about the interview process, please let us know.

YMCA of Oakville, 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville, Ontario, Canada