Daycare Meal Planner / Cook

DEBORAHS LITTLE SHEPHERDS INC; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Deborah’s Little Shepherds Child Care Center is seeking a dependable Daycare Meal Planner/Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for young children. You will follow CACFP meal patterns, manage portions, and keep a clean, safe kitchen while meeting dietary needs and allergies.

Ideal candidates have experience with meals for children, knowledge of nutrition and food safety, and the ability to work independently within a childcare setting. This is a full-time position based in Philadelphia, PA.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing meals for children or institutional food service.
• Knowledge of basic nutrition and food safety practices.
• Ability to follow CACFP meal requirements and written menus.
• Ability to prepare meals in a timely and organized manner.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks appropriate for young children.
• Follow approved menus and CACFP meal-pattern requirements.
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to the center's daily meal schedule.
• Accommodate documented food allergies, special dietary needs, and approved substitutions.
• Maintain proper food portions and serving sizes for different age groups.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, handwashing, temperature-control, and storage procedures.
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate food supplies.
• Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures and maintain required food safety records.
• Complete meal counts, production records, menus, and other required CACFP documentation.
• Maintain adequate food and kitchen supplies and notify administration when items need to be ordered.
• Check food inventory and monitor expiration dates to minimize waste.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment and report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
• Follow center policies, DHS requirements, health regulations, and CACFP guidelines.
• Work cooperatively with teachers and administrative staff to ensure meals are served safely and on time.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Perform other kitchen and meal-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Meal planning

CACFP compliance

Nutrition knowledge

Food safety

Sanitation

Record keeping

Job description

Position Summary

Deborah’s Little Shepherds Child Care Center is seeking a dependable, organized, and caring Daycare Meal Planner/Cook to prepare nutritious, child-friendly meals and snacks for children enrolled in our program. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with children and an understanding of healthy nutrition, food safety, sanitation, and CACFP meal requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks appropriate for young children.
• Follow approved menus and CACFP meal-pattern requirements.
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to the center's daily meal schedule.
• Accommodate documented food allergies, special dietary needs, and approved substitutions.
• Maintain proper food portions and serving sizes for different age groups.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, handwashing, temperature-control, and storage procedures.
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate food supplies.
• Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures and maintain required food safety records.
• Complete meal counts, production records, menus, and other required CACFP documentation.
• Maintain adequate food and kitchen supplies and notify administration when items need to be ordered.
• Check food inventory and monitor expiration dates to minimize waste.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment and report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
• Follow center policies, DHS requirements, health regulations, and CACFP guidelines.
• Work cooperatively with teachers and administrative staff to ensure meals are served safely and on time.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Perform other kitchen and meal-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience preparing meals for children, daycare, school, restaurant, or institutional food service preferred.
• Knowledge of basic nutrition and food safety practices.
• Ability to follow CACFP meal requirements and written menus.
• Ability to prepare meals in a timely and organized manner.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and store food and kitchen supplies.
• Dependable, punctual, professional, and able to work independently.
• Must be comfortable working in a childcare environment.
• Must meet applicable Pennsylvania child care employment requirements, including required background clearances and health documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• CACFP food service experience.
• Food Handler or Food Safety certification.
• Experience planning menus for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
• Knowledge of special diets and food allergies.
• Experience maintaining meal counts, production records, and food inventory.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is reliable, caring, clean, organized, and committed to providing children with nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment. The Meal Planner/Cook plays an important role in supporting the health, growth, and well-being of the children we serve.