Preschool Chef

The Learning Experience; Hackensack (NJ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare Benefits

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Learning Experience is hiring a Cook to nourish children with balanced, family-style meals in a joyful, safe classroom setting. You will follow state nutritional guidelines, manage menus, and work with a collaborative team to support vibrant daily activities.

Compensation depends on experience and education. You will help create a thriving environment that supports children’s growth and families’ trust in our center.

Qualifications

• Must meet state guidelines for childcare kitchen roles.
• High School Diploma or GED required; ECE coursework preferred.
• Must be 18+ and have relevant kitchen/food-service experience.
• Possess a valid food handler permit or license as required by state/local regulations.
• Follow health, hygiene, and safety training requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan approved menus meeting nutritional standards.
• Post and follow menus; substitutions when needed.
• Maintain inventory records and food orders within budget.
• Prepare and serve meals at appropriate temperatures.
• Follow CACFP or local guidelines for meal counts (if applicable).
• Ensure kitchen safety, sanitation, and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Sound judgment

Child safety

Positive interactions

Development support

Professional composure

Education

High School Diploma/GED

ECE coursework preferred

Job description

Benefits:

• Childcare Benefits


• Free food & snacks


• Health insurance


• Paid time off


• Training & development


• Vision insurance


• Wellness resources


• 401(k)


• 401(k) matching


• Competitive salary


• Dental insurance


• Employee discounts


• Tuition assistance

Join the fastest growing Academy of Early Education in the nation where “Happy Happens Here”! At The Learning Experience, our Cooks are ambassadors of happiness who nourish children with care and intention. Cooks prepare nutritionally balanced, attractive family-style meals for children while helping create a joyful, safe, and thriving environment. As part of a collaborative team, our Cooks follow state and federal nutrition guidelines, center budget practices, and health and safety protocols to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, their families, and the communities we serve.

Compensation: Depends on experience, certifications and education.

Core Attributes:

• Passion for Impact: A heart that beats for children's developmental needs and happiness.


• Growth Mindset: An unyielding belief in the potential of every child and an innate desire to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Role Responsibilities:

Planning, Preparation, and Maintenance of Equipment:

• Is knowledgeable of state nutritional requirements of children.


• Plan, post, and follow approved menus that are nutritionally sound, making alternate substitutions as needed.


• Keep accurate inventory records and place food orders within the center food budget.


• Chop, cut, prepare, and serve food in amounts based on daily attendance.


• Serve food at appropriate temperatures and in classroom-safe serving containers.


• Maintain safe storage of all food, supplies, and equipment in accordance with state/local regulations.


• Keep accurate meal and snack count records per CACFP guidelines (if applicable).

Safety and Sanitary Procedures:

• Follow all health, hygiene, and safety procedures, including proper lifting and handwashing techniques.


• Empty and sanitize trash receptacles regularly.


• Wash and sanitize all dishes and cookware using approved methods.


• Clean and maintain all kitchen appliances including refrigerators, microwaves, and can openers.


• Clean counters, shelves, and manage spills as needed.


• Understand and follow emergency procedures for all relevant scenarios.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Ask for help when needed and maintain a positive attitude.


• Foster respectful and supportive relationships with regulatory representatives and center staff.


• Collaborate with other team members to create a harmonious work environment.


• Handle routine situations with good judgment, flexibility, and positivity.


• Support group decisions and demonstrate team spirit.


• Build friendly rapport with families and provide outstanding customer service.


• Conduct food shopping as necessary and assist in classrooms when needed.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Must meet state-specific guidelines. High School Diploma/GED required; ECE coursework preferred.


• Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.


• Experience: Relevant experience in a licensed childcare facility kitchen, commercial kitchen, public school cafeteria, or equivalent.


• Compliance: Must meet state-specific guidelines for the role.


• Certification: Possess a valid food service/handler’s permit or license as required by state/local regulations.


• Health & Safety: Follow all state and federal regulations including immunizations, physicals, and training requirements.

Caregiving Skills (Child Interaction):

• Use sound judgment to identify and address risks in a childcare environment.


• Ensure children are safe and that their needs (diapering, dressing, grooming, feeding) are met.


• Model and promote positive social behaviors and strong communication.


• Support development through engaging, age-appropriate activities.


• Maintain composure, patience, and professionalism at all times.

Physical Resilience:

• Demonstrate full range of motion to:
  
  
  
  • Stand and walk for extended periods.
  
  
  • Lift and carry up to 40 pounds safely.
  
  
  • Reach, stretch, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  
  
  • Store and retrieve food items from shelves at varying heights using stools or ladders.
  
  


• Ability to supervise children by sight and sound.


• Work portions of the day outdoors in temperatures ranging from 20°F to 95°F.


• Maintain alertness and energy to perform all essential job functions.


• Reasonable accommodations can be made with supporting documentation.

#TLEHP