Cook/Food Prep

Children of America, LLC; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare: Medical, Dental, Vision

Life, Accident, Disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation, sick time, holidays

Childcare discount

Tuition assistance (up to $500/sem)

Annual raises

Recognition programs

Employee referral bonuses

Job summary

Children of America (COA) is seeking a part-time Cook / Food Prep to prepare healthy meals for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years across our early childhood programs.

You will handle menu-based cooking, inventory, and ordering, while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen and ensuring safety standards. COA offers healthcare, retirement and discounts, with opportunities for growth across 65+ locations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• PlanServSage certification.
• Strong work ethic and customer service mindset.
• Experience cooking for schools or preschools is a plus but not required (paid training provided).
• Love for children and working in an early childhood environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to posted menus.
• Determine meal and snack counts and distribute food to each classroom.
• Remove trays and leftover food from classrooms and dispose appropriately.
• Perform weekly inventory of food and supplies; submit list of needed items.
• Order food and supplies from approved vendors within budget set by management.
• Check-in deliveries to ensure order accuracy.
• Keep the kitchen, appliances, cabinets, and all inventory organized and clean.

Skills

Customer service mindset

Strong work ethic

Food safety awareness

School/preschool cooking experience (a

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About Children of America (COA): Children of America is a special blend of people, principles, and pride, making our organization rich in diversity and strength. Our programs serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp. Our goal is to provide nutritious, wholesome meals and snacks cooked onsite, and we are seeking a part-time Cook / Food Prep team member who loves preparing healthy, delicious meals that appeal to toddlers and children in our care. COA encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work, because your unique perspectives and experiences make our team stronger.

Who You’ll Interact With

• Management Team
• Teaching Staff

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Driver’s License
• PlanServSage certification
• Strong work ethic and customer service mindset
• Experience cooking for schools or preschools is a plus but not required (paid training provided)
• Love for children and working in an early childhood environment

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to posted menus
• Determine meal and snack counts and distribute food to each classroom
• Remove trays and leftover food from classrooms and dispose appropriately
• Perform weekly inventory of food and supplies; submit list of needed items
• Order food and supplies from approved vendors within budget set by management
• Check-in deliveries to ensure order accuracy
• Keep the kitchen, appliances, cabinets, and all inventory organized and clean

Our Shared Mission & Values

• Accountability: Take responsibility and uphold COA's mission, values, and safety standards
• Collaboration: Work with staff and management to support children's needs
• Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement
• Integrity: Make decisions ethically, considering their impact on children and families
• Consistency: Maintain a safe, clean, and reliable kitchen environment

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities across 65+ locations; we proudly promote from within
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life, Accident, & Disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company-paid holidays
• 50% employee childcare discount
• Subsidized tuition program for continuing education/career advancement (up to $500 per semester)
• Annual center performance raise
• Monthly & yearly recognition programs
• Employee referral bonuses

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $18-21 (based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity)

This role may also be eligible for performance-based incentives and additional benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Children of America is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.