Lead Cook

Children's Choice Academy; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Vacation, Holidays & Sick leave

Group Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Referral bonuses

Room for advancement

Job summary

Children’s Choice Academy in Chula Vista, CA seeks a Full-time Lead Cook to prepare healthy meals for children and manage kitchen operations. The role requires compliance with CACFP, safe food handling, and detailed record-keeping.

You will work under the Center Director and support a positive classroom dining experience. The ideal candidate is patient, communicates well, enjoys working with kids, and can take feedback constructively.

Qualifications

• Must have High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Food Handlers Certificate is a plus.
• Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Willing to transport children and follow transportation safety procedures.
• Comfortable working with young children and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Must be able to work well in a team and take feedback.
• Must pass DSS background check.

Responsibilities

• Prepares nutritious meals and snacks meeting children’s developmental needs.
• Maintains kitchen inventory.
• Communicates food orders and supply needs to Center Director.
• Follows food safety and sanitation standards per program requirements.
• Follows safety policies and procedures and promotes a safe workplace.
• Safely transport children and supervise during transportation as needed.
• Keeps kitchen clean and organized.

Skills

Communication skills

Patience

Team player

Willing to learn

Positive attitude

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Food Handlers Certificate (a plus)

Job description

Hiring for Full - Time Lead Cook | Chula Vista, CA

Job Classification: Full-time, at-will, hourly non-exempt

Salary range: $20 per hour; commensurate with experience

Benefits (full-time employees):

• Paid Vacation, Holidays & Sick leave
• Group Medical, Dental, Vision plans, referral bonuses, room for advancement

Children's Choice is a well-established Preschool with locations throughout San Diego County. We are looking for cook who is a role model for young learners by preparing and serving healthy, fresh, attractive, appealing, and flavorful foods. The cook will comply with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements and follow the head chefs menus. The cook is responsible to keep detailed and up to date records.

The ideal candidate is passionate, patient, has good communication skills, is willing to learn and is open to constructive feedback. The cook is comfortable interacting with small children and has a calm, patient, and positive attitude. The cook reports to the Center Director.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares nutritious and appealing meals and snacks that meet children's developmental and individual needs.
• Maintains food item inventory.
• Works closely with Center Director and communicates any food order / supply needs.
• Follows and adheres to safe food handling and sanitation standards according to program requirements and procedures.
• Follows safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Actively contributes toward promoting and sustaining a safe workplace environment.
• Safely transport children to and from designated locations in accordance with company policies and California transportation regulations.
• Conduct routine vehicle safety inspections and report maintenance concerns to the Center Director.
• Assist children with entering and exiting the vehicle safely and ensure proper supervision during transportation.
• Keeps kitchen clean and organized.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Food Handlers Certificate a plus
• Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Must meet company driving and insurance requirements.
• Comfortable transporting children and following all transportation safety procedures.
• Passionate about working with children (infants through school age) and has a positive and patient demeanor.
• Must be able to work as part of a team and get along with various personalities.
• Pass DSS Background check.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Able to work occasional overtime if needed and attend scheduled staff meetings after-hours.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.