Childcare Center Cook Job Ankeny area,Iowa USA,Child Care/Nanny

Job Description:

Childcare Center Cook

Little Endeavors Child Development Center, located in Ankeny, IA, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Childcare Cook to join our team. The Childcare Cook will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children in our care, ensuring compliance with all food safety regulations.

Responsibilities:

Plan and prepare healthy and balanced meals for children in accordance with USDA guidelines, CACFP, and dietary restrictions
Follow proper food safety and sanitation procedures at all times
Maintain inventory of food supplies and place orders as needed
Collaborate with childcare staff to accommodate any special dietary needs or preferences
Create a welcoming and inclusive dining environment for children

The ideal candidate for this position will have a passion for cooking and a strong understanding of child nutrition. Previous experience in a childcare setting is preferred.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent
Culinary training or related experience
Knowledge of USDA guidelines for child nutrition
CACFP Certified or willingness to attain
SERVSAVE Certified or desire to attain
Ability to work well in a team environment
Excellent communication skills
Must pass a state and national background check
Willing to do mandatory training and attend monthly meetings
Physically able to work in a quick-moving environment and able to lift, push, pull, stand, walk, and bend.
Able to work closely with the center director on menus and ordering

The primary job duties and responsibilities for the Cook include, but are not limited to:

Meet Nutritional Needs

Plan and provide nutritious meals and snacks

Prepare and provide child nutrition

Promote healthy eating

Accommodate for allergies, special dietary and nutritional requirements

Equipment and Facilities

Maintains cleanliness in the kitchen and storage areas

Develops and complies with a regular sanitization schedule for ovens, refrigerators and other appliances and areas

Ensures a safe and healthy environment

Assess risks and uses emergency procedures as required

Responds to facility emergencies

Works safely around stoves and chemicals

Maintains accurate, timely and complete records for menus, temperatures, controls, child allergies

Follows DHS and CACFP guidelines

Creates and maintains all food-related purchasing, inventory and turnover records

Estimates requirements and expenses

Ensures compliance with the established budget

Family and Community Relations

Supports a family-friendly environment

Supports a culture of respect for all families

Establish a positive image as a role model for our children and families.

Be nurturing to all children throughout the center.

Respects and follows the policy of the children’s and family’s confidentiality.

Responsibilities to Administration

Reliable in attendance (On time and gives ample notice for absence)

Careful and conscientious in performance of duties, including the use of positive words and actions towards children, parents, and staff

Responsible for job duties

Flexible with assignments

Flexible with schedules

Remains calm in tense situations

Maintains a positive attitude and professionalism.

Follows policies and procedures of Little Endeavors, Department of Human Services, and Quality Rating System

Communicate in a professional manner with parents, staff, and management.

Maintain communication with the director.

Approaches criticism with learning attitude.

Come to work with a positive attitude.

Communicates directly with the director, avoids gossip.

Professional Relationships

Friendly and respectful.

Work as a member of a professional team.

Creates a partnership with colleagues.

Is tactful with negative information.

Maintain communication with staff of menu changes, policy changes, and classroom enrollments.

Skills and Abilities

Time management, organizational skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to work with the director on inventory, ordering, and menus

Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, children, and administration

Flexible to work different schedules when needed

Valid driver’s license

Personal Characteristics

Proactive, flexible, patient, professional, prompt, and reliable attendance…


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