About This Role
Job title – ECEAP Classroom Support & Food Service
Reports to – Food Service Supervisor
FLSA status – Non Exempt
Pay Range – $19.08-$22.24
Job Purpose
The Food Service & Classroom Support position ensures safe, compliant meal service under CACFP guidelines, including receiving, transporting, reheating as applicable, and plating meals for family‑style dining. This position also provides classroom support similar to an Assistant Teacher by helping maintain active supervision, positive child interactions, and a safe, nurturing learning environment aligned with ECEAP Performance Standards. This position reports directly to the Food Service Supervisor.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Food Service & CACFP Compliance
- Receives, transports, and prepares meals delivered from the school district or designated vendor, following safe food‑handling practices at all times.
- Replates meals for family‑style service, ensuring correct portion sizes, temperature control, and sanitation in compliance with CACFP regulations.
- Follows CACFP meal pattern requirements, including components, substitutions, and documentation.
- Completes required CACFP logs, including temperature logs, meal counts, and sanitation checklists.
- Maintains cleanliness and organization of food service areas, carts, utensils, and equipment.
- Monitors food temperatures and ensures proper storage, reheating, and serving procedures.
- Supports nutrition education by modeling healthy eating habits and encouraging children to try new foods.
- Communicates with the Food Service Supervisor regarding supply needs, equipment issues, or compliance concerns.
- May be responsible for ordering or purchasing milk and snack supplies using designated CCAC credit card (upon supervisor discretion and approval).
Classroom Support & Child Interaction
- Assists teachers with daily routines, transitions, activities, and classroom organization.
- Maintains active supervision using DCYF‑aligned strategies (positioning, scanning, engaging).
- Engages children with warmth, positivity, and responsiveness, supporting social‑emotional development.
- Supports nutrition curriculum implementation by preparing materials, setting up and facilitating activities as directed.
- Collects observational notes for Teaching Strategies GOLD and shares them with the Teacher.
- Helps maintain a safe, clean, and inviting classroom environment that supports exploration and learning.
Family-Style Meal Support in the Classroom
- Facilitates family‑style dining, encouraging independence, self‑help skills, and positive social interactions.
- Assists children with serving, pouring, and cleanup, promoting autonomy and safety.
- Models appropriate table manners, conversation, and nutrition habits.
- Supports teachers in creating a calm, positive mealtime environment that aligns with ECEAP Performance Standards.
Collaboration & Professionalism
- Works closely with the Food Service Supervisor, Teachers, Center Supervisor, and Nutrition/Health staff to ensure coordinated services.
- Communicates professionally with families, modeling respect and cultural responsiveness.
- Participates in required trainings, meetings, and professional development related to CACFP, food safety, and early learning.
- Follows all ECEAP Performance Standards, CACFP regulations, DCYF licensing rules, and agency policies.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Experience in food service, early childhood education, or related fields preferred.
Qualifications
Must meet all DCYF and ECEAP health, safety, and training requirements, including:
- Food Handler’s Permit
- Infant/Child CPR & First Aid
- Negative TB test
- DCYF Portable Background Check
- Required immunizations
- Ability to lift and transport food items and supplies.
- Ability to work effectively with preschool-age children and diverse families.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of safe food‑handling practices and CACFP meal service requirements.
- Skill in maintaining sanitation, organization, and compliance documentation.
- Ability to engage children positively and support classroom routines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and cultural responsiveness.
- Ability to collaborate with staff and communicate professionally.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in classroom and kitchen/food service areas.
Requires hand‑eye coordination to operate food service equipment and classroom tools.
Noise level ranges from moderate to high depending on classroom activity.
Physical Requirements
Frequently required to stand, walk, lift, carry, bend, and reach.
Must lift and/or move up to 40 pounds (food containers, carts, supplies).
Requires ability to push/pull food carts safely.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Retirement Plan
- Tuition Assistance