Daycare - Kitchen Chef

Growing Steps Childcare and Learning Center; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus based on performance

Employee discounts

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Wellness resources

Job summary

Growing Steps Childcare and Learning Center in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Kitchen Chef dedicated to preparing nutritious meals for young children. You will ensure meals meet CACFP guidelines while maintaining a clean, safe kitchen and managing inventory.

The role emphasizes accommodating dietary restrictions and working within a structured daily schedule to support children’s health and well-being through balanced meals.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service or childcare kitchen.
• Knowledge of CACFP guidelines preferred.
• Valid Food Handler's Certificate/ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain.
• Ability to manage time within a structured daily schedule.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare daily nutritious meals and snacks for children.
• Follow CACFP meal pattern requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Monitor and manage food inventory; minimize waste.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies of individual children.
• Coordinate meal schedules with childcare staff.
• Ensure proper food storage, handling, and temperature control per health codes.

Skills

Food service experience

Time management

Attention to detail

Child health advocate

Education

Food Handler's Certificate/ ServSafe Certification

Job description

Benefits:

• Bonus based on performance
• Employee discounts
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Wellness resources

About the Role:

Growing Steps Childcare and Learning Center in Tucson, AZ is looking for a passionate and creative Kitchen Chef to join our team! In this rewarding role, you'll play a vital part in the health and development of young children 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:

• Plan and prepare daily nutritious meals and snacks for children in accordance with childcare dietary guidelines
• Follow USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal pattern requirements
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times
• Monitor and manage food inventory, ordering supplies as needed to minimize waste
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special nutritional needs of individual children
• Coordinate meal schedules and food service timing with childcare staff
• Ensure proper food storage, handling, and temperature control in compliance with health codes

Requirements:

• Previous experience in food service, institutional cooking, or childcare kitchen preferred
• Knowledge of child nutrition standards and age-appropriate meal preparation
• Valid Food Handler's Certificate/ ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Familiarity with CACFP guidelines is a plus
• Ability to manage time effectively and work within a structured daily schedule
• Strong attention to detail regarding food allergies and dietary restrictions
• Warm, caring demeanor with a passion for supporting children's health and well-being

About Us:

Growing Steps Childcare and Learning Center is a trusted early childhood education provider in Tucson, AZ, dedicated to nurturing young minds in a safe and supportive environment. Families love us for our commitment to quality care, learning, and the overall well-being of every child we serve. Our staff enjoys a warm, team-oriented workplace where their contributions truly make a difference in the lives of children every single day.