Childcare Cook/Classroom Floater

Spymca; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA membership

Program discount

Child care discount

Certifications provided

Benefits package

Flexible hours

Job summary

Spymca in Wisconsin is seeking a full-time kitchen and classroom support role to contribute to our CACFP program. You will prepare nutritious meals for children, manage inventory, and maintain clean, compliant kitchens.

You will float in classrooms, supervise children, assist with activities, and support teachers while upholding health and safety standards. Training is provided for CPR/First Aid as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; ECE or Culinary Arts coursework preferred.
• Experience: 1 year in commercial/institutional cooking or working with children in licensed care.
• Certifications: ServSafe or local Food Handler; CPR/First Aid/AED; 15 hours CE per year.

Responsibilities

• Meal preparation and service for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks per planned menu.
• CACFP compliance: maintain daily production records, attendance, and meal counts.
• Kitchen hygiene: keep kitchen clean and sanitized per health standards.
• Inventory control: monitor inventory and report shortages.
• Coordinate with teachers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Classroom floating to cover breaks or absences.
• Supervision of children; safety and well-being in the room.
• Assist with age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Positive behavior management aligned with YMCA philosophy.

Skills

Meal preparation

Team collaboration

Classroom support

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ECE or Culinary Arts coursework

Tools

ServSafe

CPR/First Aid/AED

Job description

Description

PAY: $14.50/hour

POSITION TYPE: Full Time

BENEFITS:

• Complimentary Individual or Household YMCA Membership
• 50% Employee and Dependents Discount on YMCA Programs
• 40% Child Care Discount
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Provided Upon Employment
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off.
• Flexible Hours

Essential Functions

Food Program & CACFP Support

• Meal Preparation: Prepare, cook, and serve nutritious, kid-friendly breakfasts, lunches, and snacks according to the planned menu.
• CACFP Compliance: Collaborate with the CACFP Coordinator to maintain accurate daily production records, attendance sheets, and meal count logs.
• Kitchen Hygiene: Maintain a clean, sanitized, and organized kitchen, pantry, and appliances in strict accordance with local health department standards.
• Inventory Control: Monitor food and supply inventory, reporting shortages to the CACFP Coordinator to ensure timely ordering and minimal waste.
• Dietary Restrictions: Coordinate with classroom teachers to safely accommodate children with food allergies or special dietary needs.

Classroom & Teaching Support

• Classroom Floating: Step into early childhood classrooms smoothly to cover teacher breaks, planning time, or absences.
• Child Supervision: Maintain active supervision and ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all children in the room.
• Activity Facilitation: Assist in implementing age-appropriate lesson plans, leading circle time, or guiding recreational play.
• Positive Behavior Management: Utilize positive guidance techniques aligned with YMCA philosophies to encourage social-emotional growth.

YMCA Leadership Competencies (Developing)

• Relationships: Builds rapport and relates well to children, parents, and coworkers.
• Communication: Listens attentively and communicates clearly with the CACFP Coordinator and teaching staff.
• Inclusion: Values worth in everyone and creates an environment where all children feel welcome.
• Flexibility: Adapts quickly to shifting daily priorities between the kitchen and the classroom.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Culinary Arts is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience in commercial/institutional cooking (experience with CACFP rules preferred) OR experience working with children in a licensed care setting.
• Certifications:
  • ServSafe or local Food Handler’s certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days).
  • CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications (or willingness to obtain within 60 days).
  • 15 hours of continuing education per year
• Clearances: Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check, fingerprinting, and a medical physical/TB test as required by state licensing.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., stand for extended periods, and easily transition from kitchen tasks to sitting on the floor with children.