Assistant Cook

ChildCareGroup; Garland (TX); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

ChildCareGroup in Garland, TX is seeking an Assistant Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals for children in our Head Start and Early Head Start programs. You will follow standardized recipes, help set up meals, and maintain a clean, safe kitchen.

You will assist with ordering supplies, support classroom cooking activities with teaching staff, and help ensure compliance with CACFP and Head Start guidelines while maintaining reliable attendance and high safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Food Manager certification, or ability to obtain certification.
• Experience working with large groups or in a high-volume environment.
• Knowledge of food preparation methods, nutrition, sanitation, and safe food-handling practices.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to cleanliness and safety.
• Dependability, teamwork, and a commitment to providing excellent service to children and families.
• Ability to meet attendance expectations and support a fast-paced childcare environment.
• Valid Texas driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to meet CCG driving and background check requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks using standardized recipes.
• Support meal service operations, including setting up trays and serving food.
• Help order, receive, and organize food and kitchen supplies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing equipment, cleaning countertops, and organizing pantry areas.
• Follow safe food handling, preparation, and storage practices.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with USDA CACFP and Head Start/Early Head Start guidelines.
• Support classroom cooking activities alongside teaching staff.
• Step into the Head Cook or Assistant Cook role when needed to help maintain uninterrupted meal services.
• Perform housekeeping tasks and other duties that support daily center operations.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Nutrition awareness

Customer service

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Attendance reliability

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Why Join ChildCareGroup

Founded in 1901,ChildCareGroup’s(CCG) mission is todrive generational change by advancing early learning, family stability, and workforce opportunity.

Why This Role Matters

Healthy meals are essential to a child's growth, development, and ability to learn. As an Assistant Cook, you help ensure children receive nutritious, high-quality meals every day in a safe and welcoming environment. Your work directly supports the success of our Early Head Start and Head Start programs by helping maintain compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards and creating positive mealtime experiences for children.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks using standardized recipes.


• Support meal service operations, including setting up trays and serving food.


• Help order, receive, and organize food and kitchen supplies.


• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing equipment, cleaning countertops, and organizing pantry areas.


• Follow safe food handling, preparation, and storage practices.


• Assist in ensuring compliance with USDA CACFP and Head Start/Early Head Start guidelines.


• Support classroom cooking activities alongside teaching staff.


• Step into the Head Cook or Assistant Cook role when needed to help maintain uninterrupted meal services.


• Perform housekeeping tasks and other duties that support daily center operations.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent.


• Food Manager certification, or ability to obtain certification.


• Experience working with large groups or in a high-volume environment.


• Knowledge of food preparation methods, nutrition, sanitation, and safe food-handling practices.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to cleanliness and safety.


• Dependability, teamwork, and a commitment to providing excellent service to children and families.


• Ability to meet attendance expectations and support a fast-paced childcare environment.


• Valid Texas driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to meet CCG driving and background check requirements.

ChildCareGroup is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.