Preschool Cook

Children's Nest Day School; Land O' Lakes (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Nest Day School is seeking a Preschool Cook to prepare nutritious, kid-friendly meals that meet dietary guidelines for preschool-aged children. You will plan diverse menus, cook with care, and maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment to support healthy eating habits and early childhood development.

This paid role blends culinary expertise with a passion for nurturing young learners in a warm, engaging classroom setting.

Qualifications

• ServSafe certification is required.
• Experience with menu planning and nutrient-rich meal preparation for preschool children is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and sanitation procedures.
• Experience in diverse food preparation techniques and knife skills.
• Experience with catering or large-scale meal service is a plus.
• Attention to detail and quality in plating and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook balanced, kid-friendly meals and snacks.
• Plan menus with nutritious ingredients suitable for preschool children.
• Chop, mix, portion, and plate food with precision.
• Maintain strict food safety and hygiene practices.
• Assist with serving meals and timely delivery to classrooms.
• Manage kitchen inventory and assist with ordering.

Skills

ServSafe certification

Menu planning

Food safety

Knife skills

Food presentation

Culinary experience

Dietary restrictions knowledge

Job description

Join our vibrant early childhood education team as a Preschool Cook, where your culinary skills will nurture young minds and bodies! In this lively role, you’ll be responsible for preparing nutritious, appealing meals that meet dietary guidelines for preschool‑aged children. Your creativity in menu planning and food presentation will help foster healthy eating habits and support our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for little learners. This paid position offers a fantastic opportunity to combine your culinary expertise with a passion for early childhood development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook balanced, kid-friendly meals and snacks in accordance with dietary and safety standards
• Plan menus that incorporate diverse, nutritious ingredients suitable for preschool children
• Handle food preparation tasks such as chopping, mixing, portioning, and plating with precision and care
• Maintain strict food safety and hygiene practices throughout all stages of food handling and service
• Assist with food service operations, including serving meals and ensuring timely delivery to classrooms
• Manage kitchen inventory, monitor supplies, and assist with ordering to ensure consistent meal availability
• Follow all health regulations and safety protocols to create a clean, organized kitchen environment

Experience

• SERV safe certificate is REQUIRED
• Prior dietary department or dietary aide experience in a childcare or similar setting is highly desirable
• Experience in menu planning and meal preparation within the food industry or restaurant environment
• Strong food handling skills with knowledge of food safety standards and sanitation procedures
• Culinary experience that includes cooking techniques, knife skills, and food presentation
• Familiarity with catering or large-scale meal service is a plus
• Previous kitchen experience in fine dining or restaurant settings demonstrates attention to detail and quality standards
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and special diets for children enhances your ability to serve diverse need

This energetic role invites passionate culinary professionals eager to make a positive impact on young lives through nourishing meals. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your skills can shine while supporting early childhood development, we’d love to hear from you!