Food Aide

Start Early; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 31,700 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Plans

401k Contribution

Paid Volunteer Days

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Start Early in Chicago seeks a dedicated food service professional to support Educare Chicago’s meal program. You will ensure meals and milk supply, monitor food temperatures, and uphold safety standards across licensing bodies.

The role emphasizes teamwork, confidentiality, and adherence to district and state guidelines. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED, a City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate, and at least one year of food service experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• The City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required.
• One year of experience in a food service environment is preferred.
• Ability to track and monitor food information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and parents.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Illinois food and sanitation requirements and licensing standards.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Check and verify catered meals and milk quantity daily to ensure supply.
• Record food temperatures to ensure food safety compliance.
• Report temperature discrepancies or unsafe conditions to a supervisor.
• Follow required hygiene rules and maintain cleanliness in food prep areas.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, City of Chicago, and State licensing standards.
• Manage inventory and orders for food service supplies; store food properly.
• Adhere to federal, state, and local regulations and Start Early’s standards.
• Follow DCFS licensing standards for childcare centers.

Skills

Communication

Team player

Verbal & written skills

Ability to track food information

Education

High School Diploma or GED

City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate

Tools

Food safety principles

Job description

Educare Chicago provides high‑quality care, best‑in‑class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old on Chicago’s South Side. As a program that serves low‑income families, Educare’s research‑based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social‑emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication. Become part of our rewarding, mission‑driven culture. We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.

Job Type

Full‑time

Responsibilities

• Check and verify catered meals and milk quantity daily to assure an appropriate supply.
• Take and record food temperatures upon arrival to ensure food safety compliance.
• Report any temperature discrepancies or unsafe food conditions to a supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate personal hygiene rules per regulations.
• Ensure Educare servery follows all USDA, City of Chicago, and State of Illinois licensing requirements.
• Maintain inventory and order of all food service supplies as necessary. Ensure that all food is stored appropriately in refrigerators, cabinets, etc.
• Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing, and Start Early’s philosophy, curriculum, and Standards of Conduct.
• Use universal health precautions as outlined in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing standards for childcare centers.
• Prepare and portion meals according to daily menus and serving guidelines.
• Provide mealtime table set‑up for “family‑style” meal service.
• Distribute meals and snacks to classrooms in a timely manner.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of food prep and staging areas.
• Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, utensils, carts, and kitchen equipment.
• Maintain confidentiality under Start Early’s policies and procedures.
• Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and training, and reflective supervision.
• Ensure no child is left unattended and implement Active Supervision Strategies.
• Maintain required certifications.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• The City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required.
• One year of experience in a food service environment.
• Ability to track and monitor food information.
• Ability to communicate optimally and function well with staff and parents.
• Ability to work collaboratively and as an encouraging team member.
• Must have good verbal and written skills.
• Must know the Illinois Food and Sanitation requirements and the State and City licensing standards.
• Must be familiar with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Deep commitment to advancing diversity and incorporating it into interpersonal routines and practice.
• Efficiently establish and handle relationships with colleagues/clients and gain their trust and respect.
• Relief and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

Salary

$31,700.00 - $39,000.00 / $16.25/hr - $20.00/hr

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Plans, Dedication to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months of paid parental leave, and much more.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by crafting an inclusive environment for all staff.