Early Childhood Education (ECE) Chef at Learning Jungle La Mesa

Landed; La Mesa (CA); Presencial; USD 25.000 - 36.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive pay

Part-time and full-time roles

Education opportunities

Descripción de la vacante

Learning Jungle seeks an ECE Chef to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for children aged 0–5 in a California licensed setting. You will ensure menu planning, food safety, and allergy accommodations while managing inventory and collaborating with center staff.

Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma, a California Food Handler Card, and ECE units; culinary/nutrition coursework is a plus. This role supports growth and learning in a child-centered environment.

Formación

• High school diploma required; culinary program or nutrition/food safety coursework preferred.
• California assistant teacher qualifications with 6+ ECE units or enrollment ongoing until 6 units completed.
• Prior chef/cook experience in childcare or institutional setting preferred.
• Must meet CDSS/CCL staff requirements including Food Safety Manager Certification or ability to obtain on hire.
• Must hold California Food Handler Card or obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Health screenings and immunizations as required for childcare staff; TB test.
• Background clearance including Live Scan; CACI check.
• Mandated reporter training upon hire; Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification or conditional within 30 days.

Responsabilidades

• Plan and prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals for 0–5 year olds in compliance with USDA and California licensing guidelines.
• Follow strict food safety and sanitation protocols for kitchen and storage areas.
• Develop weekly menus with balanced, allergy-aware options.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional standards set by relevant state bodies.
• Maintain inventory, order ingredients, track expiration dates within budget guidelines.
• Collaborate with center leadership and staff to align meals with daily routines and events.
• Maintain records of food production, meal counts, and regulatory compliance.

Conocimientos

Meal planning

Food safety

Inventory management

Collaboration

Nutritional compliance

Allergen awareness

Communication

Health & safety knowledge

Educación

High school diploma

Culinary program preferred

California ECE units (6+ units)

Food Safety Manager Certification

California Food Handler Card

Descripción del empleo

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

Are you ready to lead with purpose and inspire a love of learning?

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the position.

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].