Chef/Cocinero

The Learning Experience; Gilbert (AZ); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Learning Experience is hiring a Chef/Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children in our early childhood education center. You will manage daily kitchen operations, follow nutrition guidelines, maintain records, and ensure safety and sanitation in a childcare setting.

You will collaborate with teachers and center leadership to support positive mealtimes, plan according to approved menus, and handle purchasing and inventory within budget while upholding TLE standards of quality

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Food service experience in childcare, preschool, school, restaurant, cafeteria, catering, or commercial kitchen preferred.
• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling.
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, portions, and nutrition guidelines.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.
• Food Handler or equivalent certification where required.
• Must meet licensing, background screening, health, and training requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks.
• Provide consistent, timely meal and snack service.
• Help make mealtimes a positive part of each child's day.
• Work cooperatively with teachers and center staff.
• Manage daily kitchen operations and food preparation.
• Monitor attendance and prepare appropriate food quantities.
• Manage food inventory, supplies, and ordering.
• Monitor food quality, expiration dates, and storage.
• Maintain meal and snack records, including CACFP records when applicable.
• Communicate supply or kitchen needs to center leadership.

Skills

Food safety

Time management

Organization

Communication

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Location: [City, State]

Pay: [Insert Compensation]

Job Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]

Schedule: [Insert Schedule]

Benefits: [Insert Benefits]

The Learning Experience is hiring a Chef/Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children in our early childhood education center.

The Chef/Cook manages daily food preparation, kitchen sanitation, inventory, and meal service while following applicable nutrition, food safety, and childcare requirements.

What You'll Do

Inspires Happiness

Help create positive mealtimes for children.

• Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks
• Provide consistent, timely meal and snack service
• Help make mealtimes a positive part of each child's day
• Work cooperatively with teachers and center staff

Takes Ownership

Manage daily kitchen operations and food preparation.

• Prepare meals according to approved menus and nutrition guidelines
• Monitor attendance and prepare appropriate food quantities
• Manage food inventory, supplies, and ordering
• Monitor food quality, expiration dates, and storage
• Maintain required meal and snack records, including CACFP records when applicable
• Communicate supply or kitchen needs to center leadership

Builds Trust

Communicate effectively with center leadership, teachers, and families.

• Follow procedures for food allergies, dietary restrictions, and accommodations
• Communicate menu, supply, and meal-service information to the center team
• Work with teachers to support smooth meal and snack transitions
• Maintain professional and dependable working relationships

Drives Operational Excellence

Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant kitchen.

• Follow food handling, preparation, storage, cooking, and serving procedures
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures and safe storage practices
• Clean and sanitize dishes, cookware, equipment, counters, and food preparation areas
• Maintain an organized kitchen and properly stored food and supplies
• Follow applicable food service, sanitation, health, safety, and licensing requirements
• Manage purchasing and inventory within the established budget

Elevates the Brand

Maintain TLE standards for quality, safety, and service.

• Prepare and serve food with attention to quality and consistency
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen
• Support center events and special meal needs when appropriate
• Contribute to a positive experience for children and families

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, unless otherwise permitted by state requirements
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Food service experience in a childcare center, preschool, school, restaurant, cafeteria, catering, or commercial kitchen preferred
• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, portions, and nutrition guidelines
• Strong organization and time-management skills
• Food Handler or equivalent certification where required
• Must meet applicable licensing, background screening, health, and training requirements

Physical Requirements

This active role requires standing for extended periods; bending, reaching, and moving throughout the kitchen; and safely lifting up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be available.

If you have food service experience and enjoy preparing meals for children, apply today to join The Learning Experience as a Preschool Cook.