Preschool Cook

Cross Schools Inc; Bluffton, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Cross Schools in Bluffton, South Carolina, is seeking a dependable Preschool Cook to prepare and serve nutritious lunches and snacks for preschool students. You will maintain a clean, safe kitchen and follow food safety practices.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with young children, follows menus and portion guidelines, and collaborates with staff to coordinate meals and accommodate allergies and dietary needs. This is a full-time position in a school kitchen.

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation in school or childcare settings.
• Knowledge of kitchen sanitation practices and food safety.
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, and portion guidelines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Reliable and able to work independently.
• Comfort working around young children.
• Willingness to obtain food safety certification if not held.
• Must pass background screening.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve daily lunches and snacks according to established menus.
• Ensure meals are portions appropriate for young children.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and health requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen and storage areas.
• Monitor inventory and communicate purchasing needs.
• Assist with receiving and organizing deliveries.
• Coordinate meals with preschool leadership and classroom staff.
• Handle allergies and dietary restrictions per procedures.
• Wash dishes and sanitize equipment.
• Complete required cleaning tasks and minimize food waste.
• Maintain food service records as applicable.
• Provide a positive, professional attitude with students, families, and staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food preparation

Food safety

Menu adherence

Time management

Independent work

Team communication

Allergen awareness

Background check readiness

Certification willingness

Job description

Cross Schools | Early Education
Bluffton, South Carolina

Cross Schools is seeking a dependable, caring, and organized Preschool Cook to join our Early Education team. This position is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious lunches and snacks for our preschool students while maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen environment.

The ideal candidate enjoys working in a school environment, takes pride in preparing meals for children, and understands the importance of food safety, cleanliness, and consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve daily lunches and snacks for preschool students according to established menus and schedules.
• Ensure meals and snacks are prepared in appropriate portions for young children.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, food preparation area, appliances, and storage areas.
• Properly store, label, and rotate food and supplies.
• Monitor food inventory and communicate purchasing or restocking needs.
• Assist with receiving and organizing food deliveries.
• Follow established procedures regarding student food allergies, dietary restrictions, and special meal requirements.
• Coordinate with preschool leadership and classroom staff regarding meal and snack schedules.
• Wash dishes, utensils, cookware, and food preparation equipment.
• Complete required cleaning and sanitation tasks throughout the day.
• Help minimize food waste while maintaining appropriate meal portions.
• Maintain required food service records and documentation, as applicable.
• Demonstrate a positive, professional attitude when interacting with students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in food preparation, school food service, childcare food service, restaurant, or commercial kitchen environment preferred.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, portion guidelines, and food safety procedures.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Dependable and able to work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple food preparation and cleaning responsibilities within established schedules.
• Must be comfortable working in an environment with young children.
• Ability to meet applicable background screening and childcare employment requirements.
• Food safety certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification as required.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, lift and carry food, supplies, cookware, and other kitchen items, and safely operate standard kitchen equipment.

About Cross Schools

Cross Schools is a Christ-centered educational community committed to providing an exceptional environment where students can grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Our employees work together to create a safe, nurturing, and positive experience for every child entrusted to our care.We are looking for someone who will approach this role with reliability, attention to detail, a heart for serving children, and a commitment to supporting the mission and values of Cross Schools.