Substitute Cook

Acelero, Inc.; South Amboy, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401K matching

Benefits package

Job summary

Acelero Learning is seeking a Substitute Food Service Worker to support the health and well-being of children by preparing meals that meet USDA and CACFP standards. You will maintain a safe kitchen, manage dietary accommodations, and assist with center operations while upholding health and sanitation requirements.

The role emphasizes food safety, documentation, teamwork, and adaptability to support diverse dietary needs in a dynamic educational setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food storage procedures.
• Ability to learn USDA/CACFP standards and Head Start Performance Standards related to food and nutrition.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Basic computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office and internet navigation.
• Dependable, flexible, and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Food Preparation & Service: Prepare and serve meals, ensure correct quantities and safe temperatures, follow guidelines for portion sizes and menu compliance, store food using FIFO, track allergies and substitutions, maintain a clean kitchen, wash dishes and operate equipment, dispose of waste and sanitize containers.
• Recordkeeping & Compliance: Maintain temperature logs, document substitutions and special diets, complete cleaning checklists and binders, file delivery forms, participate in trainings and meetings.
• Team & Safety: Support a safe environment for children and staff, follow OSHA and sanitation guidelines, assist center operations as needed.

Skills

Food safety

Teamwork

Time management

Communication

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

Job Summary As a Substitute Food Service Worker at Acelero Learning, you will play an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of children by preparing and serving nutritious meals that meet USDA and CACFP standards. This position supports center operations by ensuring food is safely prepared, transported, stored, and served while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. The Substitute Food Service Worker will also support children’s individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, and food allergy accommodations while following all health, sanitation, and food safety requirements.

Why Acelero?

Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence‑based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young children’s inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.

Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.

Your Role

As a Substitute Food Service Worker, you will help create a safe and healthy learning environment by preparing meals that fuel children’s growth and development. You will maintain food safety standards, support kitchen operations, and collaborate with center staff to ensure children receive meals that meet nutritional and dietary requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Food Preparation & Service
  • Prepare and serve family-style meals for children, staff, and volunteers.
  • Ensure meals are delivered to classrooms in the correct quantities and at safe temperatures.
  • Follow USDA and CACFP guidelines for portion sizes and menu compliance.
  • Safely store food and supplies using FIFO inventory practices.
  • Track and support food allergies and dietary substitutions for assigned center locations.
  • Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment.
  • Wash dishes and maintain kitchen equipment including ovens, warmers, dishwashers, mixers, and refrigeration units.
  • Dispose of garbage daily and sanitize food transport containers.
• Recordkeeping & Compliance
  • Maintain temperature logs for food and kitchen equipment.
  • Document menu substitutions and special diet accommodations.
  • Complete cleaning checklists and maintain kitchen documentation binders.
  • File food delivery forms and maintain required records for compliance reviews.
  • Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Team & Safety
  • Support a safe environment for children and staff.
  • Follow OSHA, sanitation, and universal precaution guidelines.
  • Support center operations as needed and perform additional duties assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.
• Ability to complete required physical examination and background clearances.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food storage procedures. Ability to learn USDA/CACFP standards and Head Start Performance Standards related to food and nutrition. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to work independently with limited supervision. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Basic computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office and internet navigation. Dependable, flexible, and detail-oriented.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the kitchen for extended periods.
• Ability to tolerate heat and noise commonly found in kitchen environments.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to carry food and serving items up multiple flights of stairs.
• Ability to perform repetitive wrist, hand, and finger movements.

When/Where/How Much

• When: August 2026
• Where: Acelero Learning
• Position Type: Substitute / As Needed

Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?

• Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
• Supportive working environment
• Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment
• Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

A mission‑driven organization focused on creating equitable opportunities for children and families. Supportive and collaborative team environment. Professional growth and development opportunities. Meaningful work that positively impacts children every day. Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and belonging.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.

Acelero Learning's mission is to bring a relentless focus on positive family and child outcomes to close the achievement gap and build a better future for children, families, and communities served by the Head Start program.

Our company values guide us as we work toward our mission: Embracing Diversity, Open Communication, Teamwork and Community, Data-Informed Learning, and Follow-Through.

At Acelero Learning, we believe that all children can achieve and succeed, and we work to empower families to advocate for their children and themselves.