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Little Endeavors Child Development Center

Childcare Center Cook

Little Endeavors Child Development Center, Ankeny, Iowa, United States, 50015

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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 at work

Neat and appropriate personal appearance and attire

Patient and calm under pressure

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The Cook works in a fast paced, noisy, and busy environment with varying temperatures

Working around moving objects

Slippery or uneven working surfaces

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Able to stand for extended periods of time

Physically able to lift, push, pull, stand, walk, and bend

Full time hours Monday through Friday

No Nights, weekends, or holidays!

About Us: Little Endeavors Child Development Center is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. Our center offers a variety of programs designed to support the development of each child's social, emotional, and cognitive skills. We believe in the power of early childhood education to shape the future leaders of tomorrow.

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