Preschool Cook

Chesterbrook-Academy; Westmont (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Training and advancement opportunities

Job summary

Chesterbrook Academy in Illinois is seeking a Preschool Cook to prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks, following approved menus and portion guidelines, while maintaining a clean, safe kitchen.

You will collaborate with school leadership on menu planning, budgeting, and compliance reporting, accommodate dietary restrictions with care, and contribute to a warm, collaborative school culture.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and meet state licensing requirements.
• Experience in food preparation, meal service, or kitchen operations preferred.
• Current Food Handler’s Certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals following approved menus and portions.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized kitchen in accordance with health standards.
• Monitor inventory, receive deliveries, and manage storage and rotation.
• Accommodate allergy and dietary restrictions with accuracy.
• Collaborate with school leadership on menu planning, budgeting, and compliance reporting.
• Build positive relationships with staff and contribute to a warm, team-oriented school culture.

Skills

Organizational skills

Reliability

Team collaboration

Food handling

Attention to detail

Education

Food Handler’s Certification

Job description

Chesterbrook Academy is seeking a dedicated, reliable, and safety-focused Preschool Cook to join our school community! Our early childhood program is committed to providing nutritious meals that support children’s growth, health, and energy throughout the day — and we’re looking for someone who is passionate about cooking, organization, and creating a positive dining experience for young learners.

As our Preschool Cook, you’ll play a vital behind-the-scenes role ensuring that every child receives meals prepared with care, consistency, and compliance with state and federal guidelines.

What You’ll Do:

• Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks following approved menus and portion guidelines.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment in accordance with state licensing, health, and sanitation standards.
• Monitor food inventory, receive deliveries, and manage storage, labeling, and rotation using proper food-handling practices.
• Accommodate allergy and dietary restrictions with accuracy and great attention to detail.
• Collaborate with school leadership to support menu planning, food budgeting, and compliance reporting.
• Build positive relationships with staff and contribute to a warm, team-oriented school culture.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old and meet state licensing requirements.
• Previous experience in food preparation, meal service, or kitchen operations preferred (school, childcare, or commercial setting is a plus).
• Current Food Handler’s Certification or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to follow recipes, portion guidelines, and safety regulations with consistency.
• Strong organizational skills, reliability, and a positive, collaborative work style.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Why Join Chesterbrook Academy:

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment.
• Opportunities for training, growth, and advancement across our ECE programs.
• A meaningful role that directly supports the well-being and daily experience of young children.

If you’re ready to bring your passion for food, safety, and service to an early childhood environment where every detail matters,