Early Childhood Education (ECE) Chef at Learning Jungle Escondido East

Learning Jungle USA; Escondido (CA); Sur place; USD 52 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive pay

Benefits for part-time and full-time

Résumé du poste

Learning Jungle is seeking an ECE Chef to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for children aged 0–5 in a California licensed center. You will ensure meals meet nutrition guidelines, manage the kitchen, and collaborate with staff to align with daily routines.

The role requires a high school diploma, relevant culinary training, and California ECE units, plus compliance with licensing and health requirements. Competitive pay and benefits for part-time and full-time roles.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary coursework preferred.
• Completion of a culinary program or nutrition/food safety coursework is preferred.
• Must meet California ECE assistant teacher qualifications (6 units) or enrollment to complete after hire.
• Must meet California licensing requirements (Food Safety Manager Certification or ability to obtain).

Responsabilités

• Meal planning and preparation of nutritious, age-appropriate meals for 0–5-year-olds.
• Adhere to USDA and California licensing nutrition guidelines.
• Follow strict food safety, sanitation, and health code protocols.
• Develop weekly menus that accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
• Manage kitchen inventory and budget alongside staff.

Connaissances

Culinary experience in childcare

Nutrition for young children

Food safety practices

Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Formation

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary program or nutrition coursework

California ECE Units: 6 semester units

Food Safety Manager Certification (or ability to obtain)

Description du poste

ECE Chef (West Region)

Ignite Curiosity. Grow Potential.

At Learning Jungle, we believe in the power of early education to transform lives and communities. As a global provider of high-quality educational childcare, we are committed to enriching young minds through play-based learning that is Reggio-inspired and rooted in the Creative Curriculum. Our mission is to inspire children to be creative, mindful, and influential members of the world they live in.

We are currently seeking a skilled and passionate Early Childhood Education (ECE) Chef to join our team and provide nutritious, balanced meals to support the growth and development of young children in alignment with California requirements. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals for children aged 0–5 in a safe and hygienic manner, adhering to all licensing and nutritional guidelines.

Reports To: Center Director

Key Responsibilities:

• Meal Planning & Preparation: Plan and prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals that support the health and well-being of young children. Ensure that meals meet USDA, California Department of Social Services/Community Care Licensing, and other regulatory guidelines for early childhood education centers.
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Follow strict food safety and sanitation protocols to ensure the kitchen, food storage, and meal preparation areas are clean and safe. Maintain proper food handling practices and ensure compliance with health codes.
• Menu Planning: Develop weekly menus that include a variety of healthy foods, ensuring that all meals are balanced, meet dietary restrictions, and cater to children with allergies or special dietary needs.
• Nutritional Guidelines: Ensure that meals meet nutritional standards set by the California Department of Social Services/Community Care Licensing and other relevant bodies.
• Inventory Management: Maintain inventory of food supplies, order ingredients, and ensure the kitchen is stocked with necessary items. Keep track of food expiration dates and ensure that the kitchen operates within budgetary guidelines.
• Collaboration: Work with center leadership and teaching staff to ensure meals are served on time and in a manner that aligns with the center’s daily routine. Collaborate with staff to accommodate special events or family meals.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain records of food production, meal counts, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Complete all necessary paperwork related to food safety, allergies, and meal planning.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of a culinary program, or coursework in nutrition, food safety, or a related field is preferred.
• Early Childhood Education Units: Must meet California assistant teacher qualifications, including completion of at least 6 semester units (or equivalent quarter units) in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from an accredited college, or enrollment in and completion of at least 2 units per semester after hire until 6 units are completed.
• Experience: Prior experience as a chef or cook in an institutional or childcare setting is preferred. Experience working in a licensed childcare center or preparing meals for young children is a plus.
• Licensing: Must meet California Department of Social Services/Community Care Licensing requirements for staff in childcare centers, including completion of a Food Safety Manager Certification (or the ability to obtain certification upon hire).
• Food Handler Card: Must hold a valid California Food Handler Card, or obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Health & Safety: Must pass a health screening, including a tuberculosis test, and provide proof of immunization against influenza, tdap, and MMR as required for California childcare staff.
• Background Clearance: Must complete Live Scan fingerprinting and clear the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check prior to employment.
• Mandated Reporter Training: Must complete California mandated reporter training upon hire.
• Certifications: Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and perform tasks that involve bending, lifting, and food preparation.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of food safety regulations, nutrition for young children, and appropriate meal planning and preparation for the 0–5 age group. Familiarity with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal patterns and documentation.
• Allergy Awareness: Knowledge of allergen management, cross-contact prevention, and reading food labels for the major food allergens.

Why Join Learning Jungle?

• A welcoming, inclusive team environment focused on growth and creativity
• Opportunities for continued education, career development, and permit advancement
• Competitive pay and benefits for part-time and full-time roles
• Meaningful work that supports young children during their most important years of development

Learning Jungle is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Learning Jungle is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the HR Department at [e-mail].