Chef/Cook

The Learning Experience; Gilbert (AZ); On-site; USD 19,000 - 33,000; 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 in Gilbert, AZ. You will manage daily kitchen operations, follow nutrition guidelines, and ensure safety and cleanliness.

Responsibilities include preparing meals per approved menus, managing inventory and ordering, handling CACFP records when applicable, and collaborating with teachers to support mealtimes for kids.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, unless state allows otherwise.
• 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 applicable licensing, background screening, health, and training requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks.
• Manage daily kitchen operations in a childcare setting.
• Maintain food inventory and place orders within budget.
• Ensure sanitation and safe food handling according to guidelines.
• Communicate with center leadership about menus and supply needs.
• Support meal transitions with staff and families.

Skills

Food handling

Meal prep

Organization

Communication

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.