Cook - Daycare

Bright Kids Learning Academy; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Free food & snacks

Free uniforms

Job summary

Bright Kids Learning Academy in Charlotte, NC is seeking a dedicated Cook for the morning shift (6:30 AM–2:30 PM) to prepare nutritious meals for preschool children. You will plan meals, cook with care, and ensure food safety standards in a child-focused kitchen.

Ideal candidates bring kitchen experience, knowledge of child-friendly menus, strong sanitation habits, and the ability to work quickly in a busy daycare setting while maintaining a positive mealtime environment for young learners.

Qualifications

• Experience in a childcare or similar setting is preferred.
• Strong background in menu planning, food preparation, cooking, and food service operations.
• Experience with food handling safety protocols and sanitation standards in a commercial kitchen.
• Familiarity with culinary techniques including meal preparation.
• Restaurant or kitchen experience within the food industry is desirable.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations applicable to childcare facilities.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced setting with attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm and thrive under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop age-appropriate menus that meet dietary guidelines and nutritional standards for children in daycare.
• Prepare, cook, and serve meals and snacks efficiently while maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Ensure all food handling procedures adhere to safety and sanitation regulations to prevent contamination.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen areas, utensils, and equipment through regular cleaning routines.
• Collaborate with staff to accommodate special dietary needs or allergies.
• Manage inventory by ordering supplies, monitoring stock levels, and minimizing waste.
• Support meal service by setting up serving stations, assisting with portioning, and ensuring timely delivery of meals to each classroom.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a team-first mindset by supporting center operations as needed, including serving as backup transportation support.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety

Menu planning

Childcare setting

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Food prep tools

Job description

Benefits:

• Employee discounts


• Free food & snacks


• Free uniforms

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and energetic Cook to join our daycare team. This is for the morning shift, 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing nutritious, balanced meals that support the health and development of young children. This role involves creating meal plans, preparing food with precision and care, and ensuring all food safety standards are met. The ideal candidate will bring culinary expertise, a passion for healthy eating, and experience working in food service environments tailored to children’s needs. Your enthusiasm will help foster a positive mealtime experience and contribute to the overall well-being of our little learners.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop age-appropriate menus that meet dietary guidelines and nutritional standards for children in daycare


• Prepare, cook, and serve meals and snacks efficiently while maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation


• Ensure all food handling procedures adhere to strict safety and sanitation regulations to prevent contamination


• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen areas, utensils, and equipment through regular cleaning routines


• Collaborate with staff to accommodate special dietary needs or allergies


• Manage inventory by ordering supplies, monitoring stock levels, and minimizing waste


• Support meal service by setting up serving stations, assisting with portioning, and ensuring timely delivery of meals to each classroom


• Demonstrate flexibility, agility, and a team-first mindset by supporting center operations as needed, including serving as backup transportation support and assisting in classrooms to maintain ratios.

Experience

• Previous experience or dietary aide in a childcare or similar setting


• Strong background in menu planning, food preparation, cooking, and food service operations


• Experience with food handling safety protocols and sanitation standards in a commercial kitchen environment


• Familiarity with culinary techniques including meal preparation


• Previous restaurant or kitchen experience within the food industry is highly desirable


• Knowledge of food safety regulations applicable to childcare facilities


• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced setting while maintaining attention to detail


• Ability to remain calm and thrive under pressure

Join us in creating a nurturing environment where healthy eating habits are cultivated through delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals. Your culinary skills will play an essential role in supporting our children’s growth and development every day!