cook

Over The Rainbow Child Care Center; Canton (MS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Free food & snacks

Training & development

Job summary

Over The Rainbow Child Care Center in Canton, MS is seeking a passionate Cook to prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals for children daily, while contributing to their health and happiness.

You will follow CACFP meal guidelines, maintain a clean kitchen, manage time for large meal prep, and support a warm, child-centered environment.

Previous childcare food prep or institutional cooking is preferred; a food handler's certification is encouraged or obtainable on hire.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service, institutional cooking, or childcare food prep preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and handling practices.
• Familiarity with CACFP nutrition guidelines is a plus.
• Ability to manage time and prepare meals for large groups.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children daily.
• Follow CACFP meal guidelines and portion requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times.
• Monitor food inventory and assist with ordering supplies as needed.
• Adhere to food safety and handling regulations, including proper storage and temperature control.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special nutritional needs of children.
• Coordinate meal timing to align with the center's daily schedule.

Skills

Food safety

Time management

Background check

Childcare experience

CACFP knowledge

Willingness to obtain certification

Warm, caring demeanor

Education

Food handler's certification

Job description

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Free food & snacks
• Training & development

About the Role

Over The Rainbow Child Care Center in Canton, MS is looking for a passionate and dedicated Cook to join our team! In this role, you’ll play a vital part in the health and happiness of the children in our care by preparing nutritious, delicious meals every day. If you love cooking and have a heart for kids, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children daily
• Follow USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal guidelines and portion requirements
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times
• Monitor food inventory and assist with ordering supplies as needed
• Adhere to food safety and handling regulations, including proper storage and temperature control
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special nutritional needs of children
• Coordinate meal timing to align with the center's daily schedule

Requirements

• Prior experience in food service, institutional cooking, or childcare food preparation preferred
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and proper food handling practices
• Familiarity with CACFP nutritional guidelines is a plus
• Ability to manage time effectively and prepare meals for large groups
• Food handler's certification or willingness to obtain one upon hire
• Warm, caring demeanor with a genuine love for working in a child-centered environment
• Ability to pass a background check as required for childcare facilities

About Us

Over The Rainbow Child Care Center is a trusted childcare provider in Canton, MS, dedicated to nurturing young minds in a safe, loving, and stimulating environment. Families choose us because we treat every child like our own, providing quality care and early education they can count on. Our staff enjoys a supportive, team-oriented workplace where their contributions truly make a difference in the lives of children and families every single day.