Chef/Cook

The Learning Experience Corp.; Hackensack (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Learning Experience in Hackensack, NJ 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, sanitation, inventory, and meal service while following nutrition and childcare requirements.

The role emphasizes teamwork with teachers and center staff, adherence to menus and CACFP guidelines, and maintaining a clean, compliant kitchen to support a positive mealtime experience for children.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and able to obtain relevant childcare center clearances.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices required.
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, portions, and nutrition guidelines.
• Strong organization and time-management skills are essential.
• Food Handler or equivalent certification when required.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Must be at least 18 years old

Food safety knowledge

Ability to follow menus and recipes

Strong time-management

Food Handler certification

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Benefits

• Health insurance


• Paid time off


• Training & development


• Vision insurance


• Wellness resources


• 401(k)


• Dental insurance


• Employee discounts


• Tuition assistance

Location: Hackensack, NJ

Pay: Depending on Experience, Certifications and Qualifications

Job Type: Full Time

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.