Child Care Center Cook

The Children's Courtyard; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

401K matching

Childcare discount

Paid time off

Job summary

The Children’s Courtyard in Aurora, IL is seeking a Food Specialist to lead school meal preparation, aligned with the menu and budget while meeting state guidelines. The role supports staff and classrooms, with opportunities for growth and training.

You will follow the Director’s menu, ensure health and safety standards, manage inventory, and assist in classrooms as needed. This position emphasizes teamwork and quality child nutrition.

Qualifications

• Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility, preferred.
• Willingness to learn and adhere to all current state and local regulations.
• Flexibility as to the hours and schedule of work.

Responsibilities

• Create home-style, nutritional meal plans within the school's menu and budget, and prepare meals/snacks for children and staff.
• Follow the daily menu provided by the Director, incorporating USDA, licensing, and health department regulations.
• Maintain inventory of food and supplies and order more when needed.
• Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater.

Skills

Cooking

Food safety

Job description

Join a strong community where all we do is care-for the children and families we serve every day, as well as for our dedicated team members. Our people are our best asset. We listen and we know what you're looking for:

• You want benefits. We support you with a minimum 50% childcare discount, immediate access to benefits, innovative health programs, 401(k) company match, and much more.
• You want balance. We offer flexible schedules that work for you, no nights or weekends, the ability to bring your children to work with you, and paid time off.
• You want opportunity. We invest in your future with ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, credential assistance, and our unique Master Teacher Program.
• You want recognition. We provide a positive, fun workplace where employees are appreciated.

This is more than just a daycare job. It’s a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive—and play—every day. Working at a childcare center is something special.

The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school’s enrolled children. This role should be able to adapt to menu changes and meet meal and snack schedules.

As a Food Specialist, you will be:

• At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school's menu and budget, as well as state and federal requirements. Prepare meals/snacks for children and staff and distribute food to the classrooms.
• Focused on health and safety! Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health department regulations.
• Organized! Maintain inventory of food and supplies and order more when needed.
• Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater.

Job Requirements:

• Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility, preferred.
• A willingness to learn and adhere to all current state and local regulations.
• Flexibility as to the hours and schedule of work.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation range of $16.22-$16.85 based on Position, Education and Experience. Bi-weekly and Daily Pay options
• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and FSA) provided for full-time employees, Limited medical offered for part-time workers
• Education assistance including tuition reimbursement and certification, 401K (plus company match), life and disability insurance and child care discount available to all employees
• Monday-Friday work week

Learning Care is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.