Child Care Center Cook

La Petite Academy; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Benefits access

Health programs

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Credential assistance

Master Teacher Program

Job summary

La Petite Academy in Cary, NC seeks a Food Specialist to support our childcare program by planning and preparing home-style, nutritious meals within menu and budget constraints. You will serve meals to children and staff, ensuring health, safety and compliance with USDA and licensing rules.

You'll maintain inventory, place orders, and assist in classrooms as needed. The role offers meaningful growth, on-site teamwork, and the chance to positively impact daily learning meals.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for groups in childcare settings preferred.
• Willingness to learn current state and local regulations.
• Flexibility with hours and schedule.

Responsibilities

• Create home-style, nutritious meals within menu and budget, and distribute to classrooms.
• Follow daily menu per USDA/licensing requirements and health standards.
• Maintain inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater.

Skills

Food prep

Nutrition planning

Inventory management

Regulatory compliance

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.

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.

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.