Early Childhood Cook

Florence Crittenton; Helena, Northern (MT, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid holidays

Retirement match

Early Fridays

Job summary

Florence Crittenton is seeking a Cook to prepare nutritious meals for children ages 0–5 in a licensed early childhood program. You will ensure CACFP compliance, manage records, and maintain a clean, safe kitchen.

The role involves collaboration with teachers, dietary accommodations, and occasional classroom support for full-time staff. Qualifications include a high school diploma, food safety knowledge, and reliable attendance.

Qualifications

• Must have knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and healthy meal planning.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Able to work independently while collaborating with a team.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals and snacks meeting CACFP requirements.
• Accommodate special dietary needs and allergies.
• Maintain meal counts, production records, and CACFP documentation.
• Follow food safety standards for storage, handling, and sanitation.
• Monitor inventory and manage purchases within budget.
• Keep kitchen clean, organized and safe; support classroom activities.
• Collaborate with teachers to promote healthy eating.
• Participate in staff meetings and licensing/health compliance.

Skills

Food safety

Organizational skills

Recordkeeping

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Reliability

Background check readiness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Do you enjoy preparing nutritious meals and supporting young children’s growth and development? Join our Child Enrichment Center team as a Cook and help create healthy, positive mealtime experiences for children ages 0–5 in a licensed, inclusive early childhood program.

Salary: $15.00 – $17.00 per hour, DOE, nonexempt

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm or later (Full- and Part-Time options available)

What You Will Do

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals and snacks that meet CACFP requirements and support children’s health and development
• Accommodate special dietary needs, food allergies, and medical meal modifications
• Maintain accurate meal counts, production records, and required CACFP documentation
• Follow food safety standards and ensure proper food storage, handling, and sanitation practices
• Monitor inventory, order supplies, and manage food purchases within budget guidelines
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to promote healthy eating habits and positive mealtime experiences
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and maintain compliance with licensing and health regulations
• For full-time staff, provide classroom support as needed to maintain ratios and engage with children

What You Will Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience preparing meals in a commercial, institutional, school, or child care setting
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and healthy meal planning
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team
• Commitment to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of young children
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform kitchen-related physical tasks
• Reliable transportation and dependable attendance
• Ability to pass required background checks and meet state licensing requirements
• Food Handler’s Permit, ServSafe Certification, or CACFP experience preferred

Why Choose Us

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays plus two floating holidays each year
• Retirement with Employer Match
• Early release of children on Fridays for paid meetings, cleaning, and planning time
• A supportive, mission-driven team dedicated to helping children and families thrive

Join us in nourishing young minds and bodies while making a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.

FC provides equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, or disability as defined by federal and state law in our relationship with applicants for employment, employees of FC, and the public.