Daycare Cook

Acquire4Hire; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discounts

Free Telemedicine benefits

Free professional development

2 days of PTO accrual per month

Job summary

Acquire4Hire is seeking a Cook and Kitchen Coordinator in Richmond, Virginia. The role focuses on meal preparation, ensuring kitchen cleanliness, managing inventory, and supporting program needs at Forest Hill Child Care Center.

Ideal candidates should have food service experience and a ServSafe certification. Benefits include childcare discounts, free telemedicine, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience in food service, meal preparation, or related field.
• Current ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Willingness to undergo background check and provide two references.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve daily lunch and snacks in compliance with nutritional guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen environment at all times.
• Monitor inventory of food and kitchen supplies; manage grocery purchases.
• Attend all staff meetings and training.

Skills

Experience in food service

Meal preparation

Current ServSafe certification

Ability to lift 30 pounds

Job description

Overview

The Cook and Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks per USDA and VDOE Child Care Licensing guidelines. This position ensures the kitchen is clean, organized, and fully stocked and manages all grocery shopping and supply needs. The Cook plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of the children enrolled at Forest Hill Child Care Center.

Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation and Service: Prepare and serve daily lunch and snacks in compliance with nutrition and allergy guidelines; follow established menus and "+"family-style" portion sizes based on licensing and USDA meal pattern requirements; accommodate special dietary needs, allergies, and food restrictions; maintain an accurate meal count and daily records as required.
• Kitchen Sanitation and Compliance: Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen environment at all times; wash dishes, disinfect surfaces, and ensure proper food storage; adhere to all food safety regulations, including temperature logs and hygiene protocols; prepare for and support annual inspections and monitoring visits.
• Purchasing and Inventory Management: Monitor inventory of food and kitchen supplies; purchase groceries and kitchen items as needed, keeping receipts and staying within budget; coordinate with the Director, Operations Manager, or Administrative Assistant on larger or bulk orders; rotate stock and ensure all food is within expiration dates.
• Program and Classroom Support: Attend all staff meetings, professional development, and training.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience in food service, meal preparation, or related field.
• Current ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Willingness to undergo background check, provide two references, and receive required vaccines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience cooking for children in a licensed childcare setting.
• Knowledge of USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal patterns.
• CPR and First Aid certification.

Benefits

• Childcare discounts: tuition at 50%, 75% or 100% off depending on age of child and number of children enrolled
• Free Telemedicine benefits
• Free professional development
• 2 days of PTO accrual per month

About Us

Forest Hill Child Care Center exists to nurture a love of learning in children, to prepare them for a transition into school, and to build relationships with families in the community. Our vision is to create a vibrant community where every child discovers their unique potential, every family feels supported, and a lifelong love of learning begins in a nurturing and inspiring environment.