Preschool Chef/Classroom Floater

The Learning Experience - Mueller, TX; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Paid time off

Signing bonus

Training & development

Tuition assistance

Vision insurance

Free uniforms

Job summary

The Learning Experience Mueller in Austin is seeking a Lead Teacher who also serves as Preschool Cook and classroom floater. You will prepare healthy meals, supervise children, and provide flexible support across the center to keep daily routines running smoothly.

This full-time role requires a high school diploma, food preparation experience, food handler certification, CPR/First Aid, and knowledge of Texas Minimum Standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (mandatory).
• 1+ year experience in food preparation and cooking.
• Food handler certificate, or able to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Familiarity with the Texas Minimum Standards.
• Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate practices.
• Ability to pass background checks.
• "Happy Happens Here" attitude in a fast-paced role moving between kitchen and classroom.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook healthy meals and snacks meeting nutritional requirements.
• Maintain and track food allergies for each child and communicate identified allergies to teachers with every food delivery.
• Follow proper food safety, handling, storage, and sanitation procedures.
• Collaborate with center leadership to purchase food and supplies, and keep inventory records.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organized, and inspection-ready.
• Provide classroom coverage during breaks, staff absences, and peak times.
• Maintain state-required staff-to-child ratios at all times.
• Assist lead and assistant teachers with daily classroom activities.
• Supervise children to ensure safety and well-being.
• Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming environment per center standards.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Flexible/adaptable

Customer service

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Food handler certificate

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Signing bonus
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• Free uniforms

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Lead Teacher to join our AMAZING team.

As Preschool Cook & Floater Teacher, you are a TLE Happiness creator and an ambassador of happiness. This role makes a difference in the lives of children, their families, and our community in two ways: by preparing nutritious, delicious daily meals for our children, and by providing flexible classroom support across the center.

In the kitchen, the Preschool Cook & Floater Teacher plans, prepares, and serves healthy meals that meet nutritional requirements while keeping every child with a food allergy safe. In the classroom, the Preschool Cook & Floater Teacher helps teachers maintain a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment, assists teachers as needed, helps maintain ratios, and supports daily operations while following the center's curriculum and licensing requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Kitchen

• Plan, prepare, and cook healthy, delicious meals and snacks for children that meet proper nutritional requirements.
• Maintain and track food allergies for each child in the center, and communicate identified allergies to teachers with every food delivery.
• Follow proper food safety, handling, storage, and sanitation procedures.
• Collaborate with center leadership to purchase food and supplies, and keep inventory records as local and state agencies require.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organized, and inspection-ready.

Classroom Support

• Provide classroom coverage during breaks, staff absences, and peak times to keep daily operations running smoothly.
• Maintain state-required staff-to-child ratios at all times.
• Assist lead and assistant teachers with daily classroom activities and routines.
• Supervise children at all times to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment by upholding TLE Austin Mueller's high standards for organized classrooms, so children can explore and learn with confidence.

Across the Center

• Collaborate with fellow teachers and staff to support a positive, joyful learning environment and strong center culture.
• Provide excellent customer service and a positive attitude toward parents and children; listen and communicate effectively.
• Communicate any concerns about children, classroom operations, food safety, or general safety to center leadership promptly.
• Be flexible and adaptable to the daily needs of a childcare center, moving between the kitchen and classrooms as needed.
• Participate in all required staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and training sessions.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (mandatory)
• 1+ year of experience in food preparation and cooking
• Food handler certificate, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Familiarity with the Texas Minimum Standards
• Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate practices
• Ability to pass background checks
• A "Happy Happens Here" attitude: this is a fast-paced role that moves between the kitchen and the classroom

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, hourly position in a licensed childcare environment, serving children ages 6 weeks through 6 years. Time is split between the center kitchen and classrooms based on daily needs.

Physical Requirements

• Lift at least 40 pounds
• Walk up and down stairs
• Stand for extended periods while preparing and serving meals; Sit on the floor for extended periods
• Sit, stand, bend, and interact with children at their level for extended periods
• Perform cleaning and physical activity related to kitchen and classroom upkeep

Join our awesome team at The Learning Experience Mueller and help make a difference.