CACFP Cook/ Kitchen Manager

Kinder Joy Learning Academy; Greer (SC); Sur place; USD 36 000 - 48 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Tuition Assistance

Professional Development

Flexible Schedule

Résumé du poste

Kinder Joy Learning Academy is seeking a dedicated CACFP Cook & Kitchen Manager in Greer, SC. You will plan meals, prepare nutritious options for children, and manage daily kitchen operations to ensure safe, healthy meals.

The role emphasizes strict adherence to CACFP standards, proper inventory, documentation, and cooperation with teachers and staff to support a healthy learning environment.

Qualifications

• CACFP knowledge and adherence to SC DSS licensing requirements.
• Strong food safety and sanitation understanding.
• Experience with meal planning and portion control for children.

Responsabilités

• Plan and prepare meals per CACFP meal patterns.
• Maintain daily food production records and inventory.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional and portion requirements.
• Monitor kitchen cleanliness, safety, and sanitation.
• Manage food ordering within budget and verify deliveries.
• Coordinate with staff for meal counts and allergies.
• Document substitutions and changes for reviews.
• Support CACFP trainings and audits.

Connaissances

CACFP knowledge

Food safety

Inventory control

Meal planning

Recordkeeping

Independent work

Time management

Documentation

Formation

High school diploma or GED

Outils

ServSafe Certification

Description du poste

The ideal candidate will have experience in food preparation, kitchen management, sanitation, inventory control, and meal planning. This individual must be able to work independently, manage time effectively, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with theChild and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), South Carolina Department of Social Services (SC DSS) Child Care Licensing requirements, and applicable food safety regulations.

Our CACFP Cook & Kitchen Manager plays an essential role in promoting children's health, nutrition, and overall well-being by ensuring students receive nutritious, appealing, and properly portioned meals in a safe and sanitary environment.

This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, accountability, and a commitment to maintaining a high-quality food service program.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Planning & Food Preparation
• Prepare and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks in accordance with CACFP meal pattern requirements.
• Follow approved menus, standardized recipes, and appropriate serving portions for each age group.
• Assist with developing and maintaining monthly menus that meet nutritional guidelines and program requirements.
• Prepare meals in a timely manner to ensure classrooms receive food according to the established daily meal schedule.
• Accommodate documented food allergies, dietary restrictions, and medically necessary meal modifications in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Ensure meals are properly prepared, presented, and served at safe temperatures.
• Maintain consistency in food quality, taste, freshness, and nutritional value.
• Minimize food waste through proper planning, preparation, and portion control.
• CACFP Compliance & Recordkeeping
• Follow all applicable CACFP regulations, policies, and meal service procedures.
• Maintain accurate daily food production records, menus, meal counts, and other required documentation.
• Ensure all meals and snacks meet CACFP nutritional and portion requirements.
• Maintain proper records of food purchases, invoices, receipts, and inventory.
• Assist administration with preparing documentation for CACFP monitoring visits, reviews, and audits.
• Ensure meal substitutions and menu changes are properly documented.
• Maintain organized records that are complete, accurate, and available for review.
• Participate in required CACFP training and remain informed of program updates.
• Immediately communicate any potential compliance concerns to administration.
• Kitchen Management & Daily Operations
• Oversee the daily organization, cleanliness, and efficient operation of the kitchen.
• Establish and maintain kitchen routines, food preparation schedules, and cleaning procedures.
• Ensure meals and snacks are ready for distribution at designated times.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of food, supplies, and kitchen essentials.
• Monitor the condition and proper use of kitchen equipment.
• Report equipment malfunctions, maintenance needs, and safety hazards promptly.
• Ensure all food items are properly labeled, dated, stored, and rotated using the First In, First Out (FIFO) method.
• Maintain organized storage areas, refrigerators, freezers, and dry goods.
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly kitchen cleaning and operational checklists.
• Food Ordering, Inventory & Budget Management
• Prepare weekly food orders based on approved menus, enrollment, attendance projections, and inventory.
• Monitor food costs and make responsible purchasing decisions within the approved budget.
• Maintain accurate food and supply inventory records.
• Prevent unnecessary spending, overordering, food spoilage, and excessive waste.
• Verify food deliveries for accuracy, quality, quantity, and proper storage temperatures.
• Communicate supply shortages and purchasing needs to administration.
• Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency while maintaining meal quality and CACFP compliance.
• Health, Safety & Sanitation
• Follow applicable food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and inspection-ready kitchen.
• Properly clean and sanitize food preparation surfaces, utensils, dishes, and equipment.
• Follow safe food handling procedures to prevent contamination and foodborne illness.
• Monitor and document food storage and holding temperatures as required.
• Practice proper handwashing, glove use, and personal hygiene.
• Follow safe procedures for food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, and reheating.
• Maintain proper allergen awareness and prevent cross-contact.
• Ensure cleaning chemicals are properly labeled, stored, and secured away from food and children.
• Maintain compliance with SC DSS Child Care Licensing standards applicable to food service operations.
• Communication & Teamwork
• Communicate professionally with teachers, administration, and other staff members.
• Coordinate with classroom teachers regarding meal counts, serving times, food allergies, and dietary needs.
• Provide timely updates regarding menu changes, food shortages, and kitchen concerns.
• Work cooperatively with staff to ensure smooth meal distribution and collection.
• Assist with special events, celebrations, and center activities involving food service when assigned.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and a willingness to support the overall needs of the center.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous food preparation, commercial kitchen, school cafeteria, childcare food service, or related experience preferred.
• Previous experience with CACFP or another regulated meal service program strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, meal planning, and proper food storage.
• Ability to prepare meals for groups of children while following nutritional and portion requirements.
• Strong organizational, recordkeeping, and time-management skills.
• Ability to follow written menus, recipes, instructions, and program guidelines.
• Basic math skills for calculating food quantities, portions, inventory, and meal counts.
• Ability to work independently and complete responsibilities without constant supervision.
• Must meet applicable SC DSS background screening and employment eligibility requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain required food safety certifications and training.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift and carry food containers, kitchen supplies, and equipment, with reasonable accommodation when applicable.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment and appliances.
• Perform repetitive food preparation and cleaning tasks.
• Work in a kitchen environment involving heat, refrigeration, and frequent movement.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment throughout the workday.

Nice To Have

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Manager, or equivalent food safety certification.
• Experience managing food inventory, ordering, and kitchen budgets.
• Familiarity with CACFP meal patterns, food production records, and monitoring requirements.
• Experience preparing meals in a licensed childcare center.
• Experience managing kitchen operations or supervising food service personnel.

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Takes ownership:Treats the kitchen as their responsibility and maintains high operational standards.
• Is dependable:Arrives on time, follows schedules, and ensures meals are prepared without unnecessary delays.
• Is organized:Maintains accurate records, manages inventory, and keeps the kitchen inspection-ready.
• Understands compliance:Recognizes that CACFP documentation and food safety requirements are essential responsibilities.
• Is budget-conscious:Makes responsible purchasing decisions and works to reduce unnecessary food costs and waste.
• Works independently:Identifies tasks that need to be completed and takes initiative.
• Communicates effectively:Keeps administration informed of concerns, shortages, and operational needs.
• Values teamwork:Maintains positive working relationships with teachers and staff.
• Welcomes feedback:Is willing to learn, improve, and participate in professional development.
• Tuition Assistance
• Professional Development
• Flexible Schedule

Minimum Education : High School or Equivalent