Daycare Cook

Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce; Center (IN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Elim Children’s Center in Marshalltown, IA is seeking a dedicated Daycare Cook to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for children in accordance with CACFP guidelines. The role includes menu planning, grocery shopping, documentation, and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen.

The candidate will manage CACFP paperwork, ensure meals meet nutritional requirements, and collaborate with directors and staff to support dietary needs. This is a full-time, on-site position with a Monday–Friday schedule.

Qualifications

• CACFP guidance and meal pattern knowledge
• Ability to plan, prepare, and serve meals for children
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare meals per CACFP meal patterns and serve daily meals and snacks
• Create weekly menus that meet CACFP nutritional requirements
• Accommodate allergies and age-appropriate portions
• Ensure meals are prepared and served on schedule
• Shop for groceries within budget and manage inventory (FIFO)
• Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen and follow health regulations
• Maintain CACFP paperwork, meal counts, and temperature logs
• Communicate with directors, teachers, and staff regarding meals and dietary needs
• Report maintenance or equipment issues promptly

Job description

Job Title: Daycare Cook

Employer: Elim Children’s Center

Location: 302 West Church St. Marshalltown, IA 50158

The Daycare Cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children in compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This role includes menu planning, grocery shopping, maintaining required documentation, and ensuring a clean, safe kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Planning & Preparation

• Prepare and serve daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to CACFP guidelines
• Create weekly menus that meet CACFP nutritional requirements
• Accommodate food allergies, special dietary needs, and age-appropriate portion sizes
• Ensure meals are prepared and served on schedule

CACFP Compliance

• Follow all CACFP meal pattern requirements
• Complete and maintain accurate CACFP paperwork and meal count records
• Stay current with CACFP rules, regulations, and updates

Grocery Shopping & Inventory

• Shop for groceries within budget guidelines
• Maintain proper food inventory, storage, and rotation (FIFO)
• Monitor food supplies and report needs in a timely manner

Kitchen Safety & Sanitation

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen at all times
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
• Properly clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, and food prep areas
• Ensure safe food handling, storage, and temperature control

Paperwork & Communication

• Maintain required kitchen logs, temperature logs, and cleaning checklists
• Communicate effectively with directors, teachers, and staff regarding meals and dietary needs
• Report maintenance or equipment issues promptly

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry food supplies and kitchen equipment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Work Schedule

• Monday–Friday during daycare operating hours

Closing Date: Until filled