Child Care Center Cook (7:30a-1:30p)

Learning Care; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Learning Care is seeking a Food Specialist to prepare home-style meals for children and staff, ensuring nutrition and compliance with menus and budgets in our Des Moines-area childcare center.

You will follow health and safety regulations, manage inventories, and assist in classrooms when needed, contributing to a positive, supportive learning environment for kids.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking/food prep for groups in a childcare facility.
• Willingness to follow all state/local regulations and menu requirements.
• Flexible hours and schedule when needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks within the school menu and budget.
• Follow USDA/licensing/health department regulations.
• Maintain inventory and order supplies.
• Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater.

Skills

Cooking & food prep

Food safety compliance

Adaptability

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.