Kids' Chef: Nutritious Meals & Safe Kitchen Lead

The Learning Experience Corp.; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday pay

Job summary

The Learning Experience is hiring a Chef/Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children in our early childhood education center. You will manage daily kitchen operations, follow nutrition guidelines, and collaborate with teachers to support healthy meals and mealtimes.

This full-time role requires food-safety knowledge, the ability to follow menus, and excellent organization. Join a team focused on quality, safety, and positive experiences for children and families.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Food service experience in childcare or similar setting preferred.
• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe handling.
• Ability to follow menus and nutrition guidelines.
• Must meet licensing and background requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks.
• Provide consistent, timely meal and snack service.
• Help make mealtimes a positive part of each child's day.
• Work cooperatively with teachers and center staff.
• Manage daily kitchen operations and food preparation.
• Prepare meals according to approved menus and nutrition guidelines.
• Monitor attendance and prepare appropriate food quantities.
• Manage food inventory, supplies, and ordering.
• Monitor food quality, expiration dates, and storage.
• Maintain required meal and snack records, including CACFP records when applicable.
• Communicate supply or kitchen needs to center leadership.
• Follow procedures for food allergies, dietary restrictions, and accommodations.
• Communicate menu, supply, and meal-service information to the center team.
• Work with teachers to support smooth meal and snack transitions.
• Maintain professional and dependable working relationships.
• Follow food handling, preparation, storage, cooking, and serving procedures.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures and safe storage practices.
• Clean and sanitize dishes, cookware, equipment, counters, and food preparation areas.
• Maintain an organized kitchen and properly stored food and supplies.
• Follow applicable food service, sanitation, health, safety, and licensing requirements.
• Manage purchasing and inventory within the established budget.
• Maintain TLE standards for quality, safety, and service.
• Prepare and serve food with attention to quality and consistency.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen.
• Support center events and special meal needs when appropriate.
• Contribute to a positive experience for children and families.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Menu following

Time management

Communication with staff

Age 18+

Food service experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Food Handler Certification

Job description

The Learning Experience is hiring a Chef/Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children in our early childhood education center. You will manage daily kitchen operations, follow nutrition guidelines, and collaborate with teachers to support healthy meals and mealtimes.

This full-time role requires food-safety knowledge, the ability to follow menus, and excellent organization. Join a team focused on quality, safety, and positive experiences for children and families.