Head Start Kitchen Lead: Nutrition, Training & Menu Planning

Child Development; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Child Development is seeking a dedicated cook to manage the kitchen and meal service at the Head Start center. You will supervise an assistant cook, plan menus, maintain safety and sanitation, and ensure accurate documentation and inventory.

You will collaborate with health and nutrition staff, instructional teams, and parents to develop compliant menus and educational activities for children. Strong English communication and basic nutrition knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum of one (1) year paid quantity cooking experience (school setting preferred).
• Knowledge of basic nutrition.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Ability to supervise and provide leadership to assistant cooks.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen and meal service for the assigned Head Start center.
• Supervise, train, orient, and conduct timely performance evaluations of the assigned assistant cook.
• Prepare appetizing and appealing meals in appropriate amounts for children utilizing standardized recipes.
• Establish and maintain a safe and sanitary work environment in the kitchen and dining area.
• Plan food purchases within the limits of the budget; place orders with vendors and central office for food and supplies, and shop at local grocery stores as needed.
• Receive and check-in food deliveries; review, sign, and date invoices; and store items properly.
• Assist in planning the menus within Federal and CCFP guidelines in cooperation with the health and nutrition coordinators, nutrition services specialist, instructional staff, and parents.
• Ensure menus are duplicated for parents and posted at the center.
• Maintain accurate required documents and records. Compile and submit monthly food reports; take monthly food inventory; and take yearly equipment inventory.
• In cooperation with the instructional staff, assist in the planning and implementation of nutrition education activities and participate as needed with the children.
• Contribute to a healthy and successful nutrition program by working in cooperation with the instructional staff in facilitating mealtime procedures; may include eating center-prepared meals with the children.
• Coordinate with staff, volunteers, and children when working in meal preparation and service.
• Attend and participate in in-service training and other meetings as required.
• Transport food from one site to another, when required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Supervise assistant cook

Nutrition knowledge

Leadership

English literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Child Development is seeking a dedicated cook to manage the kitchen and meal service at the Head Start center. You will supervise an assistant cook, plan menus, maintain safety and sanitation, and ensure accurate documentation and inventory.

You will collaborate with health and nutrition staff, instructional teams, and parents to develop compliant menus and educational activities for children. Strong English communication and basic nutrition knowledge are essential.