Cook

Child Care Resources Inc; Bradley Gardens (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Professional Development

Job summary

Child Care Resources Inc in New Jersey is seeking a reliable school kitchen cook to prepare safe, nutritious meals for children in a licensed childcare center. You will follow approved menus, manage portions, and maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen aligned with health codes.

You will monitor inventory, assist with budgeting, and ensure meals meet CACFP guidelines while staying within budget. Strong health and safety standards, teamwork, and the ability to stand for long hours are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check.
• Valid state food handler certification or ServSafe qualification.
• Stand for long shifts and lift or carry up to 40–50 pounds.
• Experience in professional cooking, preferably in a school or childcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Meal preparation for breakfast, lunch, and snacks as per developmental needs.
• Follow weekly menus that meet USDA CACFP and health department guidelines within budget.
• Manage allergies and dietary restrictions to prevent cross-contamination.
• Track food supplies, inspect expiration dates, and order groceries as needed.
• Wash dishes, sanitize surfaces, and maintain safe food storage temperatures.

Skills

Meal preparation

Food safety

Inventory management

Sanitation

Teamwork

Education

High School or Equivalent

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

As a cook in our child care center the cook is someone who will be responsible to prepare safe, nutritious, and appealing meals and snacks for children while maintaining a clean, sanitary, and budget-compliant kitchen. Cook must be able to implement the menus provided by The Learning Gate and follow all guidelines set forth by Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Department of Health, and state licensing.

What You’ll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation: Cook and portion breakfast, lunch, and snacks tailored to the developmental and nutritional needs of young children.
• Menu Planning & Budgeting: Follow weekly menus that comply with USDA, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, state licensing, and health department guidelines while staying within budget.
• Allergy & Dietary Safety: Strictly manage food allergies, intolerances, and special dietary restrictions to prevent cross‑contamination.
• Inventory & Ordering: Track food supplies, inspect expiration dates, and order groceries or kitchen necessities as needed.
• Sanitation & Compliance: Wash dishes, sanitize surfaces, manage safe food storage temperatures, and keep the kitchen aligned with local health codes.
• Food Delivery: Distribute meals and snacks to classrooms on a strict daily schedule.

Requirements

Job Requirements & Qualifications

• Age & Background Check: Must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background/vulnerable sector check.
• Certifications: Valid state food handler certification or ServSafe qualification.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long shifts, bend, and lift or carry up to 40–50 pounds.
• Experience: Prior professional cooking or volume food preparation experience, ideally in a school or childcare setting.

Nice To Have

• ServSafe Qualification
• Knowledge of Child and Adult Care Food Program
• First Aid/Epi-Pen/CPR Trained
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development

Minimum Education : High School or Equivalent