Childcare Kitchen Chef - Nutritious Meals & Safety

KinderCare; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

KinderCare in Decatur, IL seeks a dedicated Center Kitchen Associate to maintain safe food handling, manage orders, and support daily center duties. This role supports enrollment and engagement goals while following KinderCare licensing requirements.

Candidates should have a food handler license or willingness to obtain one, plus experience in institutional cooking and working with children. Physical ability to lift up to 40 pounds is preferred.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates love for children and a desire to make a difference daily.
• Familiar with safe food storage, food allergies, and cross-contamination prevention.
• Follows nutritious menus and prepares adequate quantities for the center population.
• Basic math skills for measuring and portion calculations.
• Possesses a Food Handler’s License or is willing to obtain one.
• At least one year of institutional cooking; food ordering experience is a plus.
• Two or more years working with children is highly desirable.
• Must be physically able to use a computer and lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Maintain kitchen and related equipment safely and hygienically
• Order food and supplies
• Dispense and store medication, as requested
• Complete timely and accurate documentation according to KinderCare and other licensing or regulation requirements
• Help with and take on responsibility in other daily center duties, as needed
• Support your center’s success by partnering with center staff and leadership to achieve goals around enrollment, accreditation, and engagement

Skills

Love for children

Food handling

Menu planning

Portion control

Food handler licensing

Institutional cooking

Child care experience

Computer literacy

Lifting 40 lbs

Job description

KinderCare in Decatur, IL seeks a dedicated Center Kitchen Associate to maintain safe food handling, manage orders, and support daily center duties. This role supports enrollment and engagement goals while following KinderCare licensing requirements.

Candidates should have a food handler license or willingness to obtain one, plus experience in institutional cooking and working with children. Physical ability to lift up to 40 pounds is preferred.