Kitchen Assistant - Childcare

Children's Nest Preschool and Daycare; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Nest Preschool and Daycare in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support our meal program for young learners. You’ll help prepare healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks, follow recipes, and maintain safety and cleanliness in a busy kitchen.

The right candidate is organized, able to multitask under pressure, and has food safety knowledge. ServSafe certification is preferred or willing to obtain it; high school diploma or equivalent is expected.

Qualifications

• Must have or be willing to obtain ServSafe certification.
• Experience with child nutrition and dietary restrictions preferred.
• Ability to work independently and maintain high standards of cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to health regulations while preparing meals.
• Serve nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks to children.
• Follow recipes and proper food handling techniques.
• Keep kitchen clean and organized; wash dishes, sweep floors, sanitize surfaces.
• Record food temperatures and storage times accurately.
• Monitor portion sizes for each child.
• Collaborate with director and teachers to promote positive dining and manners.
• Assist with other duties as needed, such as serving in classroom or cleanup.
• Participate in professional development and training.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

Time management

Creativity in recipe development

Ability to multitask under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

Kitchen Assistant Job Description

We provide a safe, nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. As our daycare cook, you’ll play an important role in supporting this mission by assisting in preparing healthy, delicious meals for the children in our care. The ideal candidate will have experience cooking, cleaning, as well as knowledge of child nutrition and special dietary needs. You must be able to work independently and efficiently to maintain our high standards of food safety and cleanliness. Above all, you must be patient, kind, and loving, with a genuine interest in the well-being of children. Monday through Friday, Hours may vary between 6:30am - 5:45pm.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Adhere to all state and local health regulations while preparing meals
• Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks that are nutritious and appealing to children
• Prepare food according to recipes and instructions, using proper food handling techniques
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, including washing dishes, sweeping floors, and sanitizing surfaces
• Keep accurate records of food temperatures and storage times
• Monitor portion sizes to ensure that each child is getting the appropriate amount of food
• Work with the director and teachers to create a positive dining experience for the children, promoting socialization and good manners
• Assist with other duties as needed, such as serving food in the classroom or cleaning up after mealtimes
• Participate in professional development opportunities and training.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to multitask and work well under pressure
• Creativity and ability to develop new recipes
• ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain certification

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Cooking or Kitchen experience
• Experience working in a daycare or other child-care setting
• Nutrition knowledge and understanding of dietary restrictions and allergies
• First aid and CPR certification