Chef/Cook

The Learning Experience #474; Rosenberg (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; 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. The role oversees daily kitchen operations, follows nutrition and safety guidelines, and collaborates with teachers to support healthy, positive mealtimes.

You will manage inventory, prepare meals per menus, monitor quantities, and ensure CACFP records where applicable while maintaining a clean, compliant kitchen and strong teamwork with center staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, depending on state rules.
• CPR certification commonly required for childcare roles.
• Food Handler or equivalent certification may be required by policy.

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 required meal and snack records and CACFP records when applicable.
• Communicate supply or kitchen needs to center leadership.
• Follow procedures for food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Communicate menu, supply, and meal-service information to the center team.
• Maintain professional and dependable working relationships.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant kitchen.
• Follow applicable food service, sanitation, health, safety, and licensing requirements.
• Manage purchasing and inventory within the established budget.

Skills

Time management

Organization

Communication

Food safety knowledge

Menu following

Adaptability

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR

Food Handler or equivalent certification

Job description

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
• CPR
• 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.