Preschool Cook

Hire Up Recruiting; Hewitt (TX); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403B match

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Hire Up Recruiting is seeking a knowledgeable Preschool Cook to support a Brand New premier preschool in Hewitt, TX. The role involves planning, preparing, serving, and storing nutritious meals for young children in a compliant, sanitary kitchen.

Responsibilities include CACFP compliance, food safety, inventory control, and collaboration with staff to meet children's dietary needs. Full-time, Monday–Friday, year-round with benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or preferred.
• Current Food Handler Certificate or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
• At least 1 year of meal preparation experience in licensed childcare, school, or healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals and snacks for children.
• Ensure meals meet CACFP requirements and dietary restrictions.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen and proper food handling.
• Monitor inventory, rotate stock, and report safety concerns.

Skills

Food safety

Nutrition planning

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Food Handler Certificate

Job description

Your interest in this position and application is very important to us. We will respond to your application within one business day.

Our client is looking for a knowledgeable food safety and nutrition-focused Preschool Cook to support the location in all aspects of daily food preparation at their Brand New premier preschool in Hewitt, TX.

The Cook/Food Service Coordinator is responsible for planning, preparing, serving, and storing nutritious meals and snacks that support the health and development of young children. This position ensures that all food service operations comply with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards, local health department regulations, food safety requirements, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. The Cook/Food Service Coordinator maintains a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen while supporting children's nutritional needs, accommodating special dietary requirements, and promoting a safe food service environment.

• This is a Direct Hire position with the school
• Full-Time; Monday - Friday; year-round employment

Salary

• $18.00/hour pending education, credentials, and professional cook/food-handler experience

Benefits

• 403B match
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as operational needs require.

Meal Planning and Food Preparation

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals and snacks that meet the nutritional needs of children and comply with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, when applicable, as well as center menus and approved recipes.
• Ensure meals are developmentally appropriate and accommodate documented food allergies, medical dietary needs, and approved dietary restrictions.
• Prepare, portion, and serve food in a safe, sanitary, and timely manner while maintaining required food temperatures and quality standards.

Food Safety and Kitchen Operations

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen by following all food safety, sanitation, infection control, and safe food handling procedures in accordance with Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards, local health regulations, and center policies.
• Receive, inspect, label, store, rotate, and monitor food inventory to ensure product quality, minimize waste, and maintain adequate supplies.
• Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment, promptly reporting maintenance or safety concerns to administration.

Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain accurate food service records, including menus, meal production, temperature logs, inventory, and other required documentation to support licensing, health department, and CACFP compliance.
• Cooperate with licensing inspections, health inspections, and regulatory reviews while supporting the center's commitment to food safety and quality standards.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management

• Maintain a safe kitchen environment by properly storing food, equipment, cleaning supplies, and hazardous materials while following established emergency procedures and reporting unsafe conditions promptly.
• Implement procedures to prevent cross-contamination and allergen exposure, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children served.

Team Collaboration and Professionalism

• Collaborate with classroom staff and administration to ensure meals are prepared and delivered on schedule while communicating effectively regarding children's dietary needs and special accommodations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service while supporting the mission, values, and quality standards of the Child Development Center.
• Maintain required certifications, training, and continuing education in accordance with Texas licensing requirements, food service regulations, and policies.

Qualifications

• REQUIRED Education: High school diploma or GED preferred; current Food Handler Certificate or ability to obtain with-in required timeframe.
• REQUIRED Experience: At least one (1) year of experience preparing meals in a licensed childcare center, school, or healthcare setting; experience with USDA CACFP meal requirements preferred.
• Mustbe at least 18 years of age
• Mustmeet background check eligibility

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

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