Child Care Center Cook

The Learning Express Child Development Center; Denver (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

AFLAC supplemental insurance

Paid time off and sick days

Performance bonuses

IRA retirement plan with employer-m​a​

Supportive work environment

Job summary

The Learning Express Child Development Center is seeking a dedicated kitchen professional to prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals for preschool children. The role requires knowledge of state childcare meal patterns and safe food handling.

Hours are approximately 7am to 3pm, with opportunities for extra hours. You will plan breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, maintain a clean kitchen, and accommodate dietary needs while supporting a safe learning environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of nutrition and food safety practices required.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Able to pass a childcare background check from DCDEE and a drug test.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and nurturing environment for all children to learn and grow.
• Plan and prepare breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks for children, following meal pattern guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen in compliance with health and safety standards.
• Safely store food and supplies while monitoring inventory levels.
• Accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Work with administration to ensure menus are balanced and appealing to children.
• Assist with kitchen-related recordkeeping as required by licensing.
• Complete required state trainings hours annually (can be done virtually and in person).

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Food safety practices

Independent work

Time management

Communication skills

Patience

CPR and First Aid

Background check (DCDEE)

Drug test

Job description

We are looking for candidates that are comfortable for preparing nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks in compliance with state child care meal pattern requirements. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with children, knowledge of safe food handling practices, and the ability to plan menus for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. Hours are approximately 7am - 3pm; however there is the opportunity to pickup additional hours if desired.

Responsibilities:

• Provide a safe and nurturing environment for all children to learn and grow.
• Plan and prepare breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks for children, following meal pattern guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen in compliance with health and safety standards.
• Safely store food and supplies while monitoring inventory levels.
• Accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Work with administration to ensure menus are balanced and appealing to children.
• Assist with kitchen-related recordkeeping as required by licensing.
• Complete required state trainings hours annually (can be done virtually and in person).

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Knowledge of nutrition and food safety practices.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Patience, compassion, and the ability to connect with young children.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to pass a childcare background check from DCDEE.
• Ability to pass a drug test.

*Previous cooking or food preparation experience is preferred, however this is not a requirement if we feel you are a right fit for our center.

We offer competitive compensation packages, including pay based on education/experience, discounted childcare (while employed), AFLAC supplemental insurance benefits, paid time off and sick days, performance bonuses, IRA retirement plan with employer matching, and most importantly: a supportive work environment.

Professional development opportunities are also available for those interested in pursuing a degree in an ECE related field. We participate in the TEACH scholarship, NC Promise, and NC Wages programs. Working contracts are also available from the center to assist with paying for ECE related classes.

If you are passionate about working with young children and making a positive impact on their lives, we would love to hear from you!

***Please note that per NC Child Care Law, this position requires a NC Criminal Background Check Qualification letter from DCDEE, negative TB screening, and medical physical before employment can begin.

Additionally, CPR & First Aid training (in-person through an approved organization), Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training (virtually from PCANC), and ITS/SIDS Training (in person or virtually through an approved organization) must be completed within 90 days of hire. We will assist in arranging these trainings for new hires if not already completed.