Childcare Center Cook at Little Endeavors Child Development Center

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Description: Childcare Center CookLittle 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 restrictionsFollow proper food safety and sanitation procedures at all timesMaintain inventory of food supplies and place orders as neededCollaborate with childcare staff to accommodate any special dietary needs or preferencesCreate a welcoming and inclusive dining environment for childrenThe 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 equivalentCulinary training or related experienceKnowledge of USDA guidelines for child nutritionCACFP Certified or willingness to attainSERVSAVE Certified or desire to attainAbility to work well in a team environmentExcellent communication skillsMust pass a state and national background checkWilling to do mandatory training and attend monthly meetingsPhysically 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 orderingThe primary job duties and responsibilities for the Cook include, but are not limited to:Meet Nutritional NeedsPlan and provide nutritious meals and snacksPrepare and provide child nutritionPromote healthy eatingAccommodate for allergies, special dietary and nutritional requirementsEquipment and FacilitiesMaintains cleanliness in the kitchen and storage areasDevelops and complies with a regular sanitization schedule for ovens, refrigerators and other appliances and areasEnsures a safe and healthy environmentAssesses risks and uses emergency procedures as requiredResponds to facility emergenciesWorks safely around stoves and chemicalsMaintains accurate, timely and complete records for menus, temperatures, controls, child allergiesFollows DHS and CACFP guidelines Creates and maintains all food-related purchasing, inventory and turnover recordsEstimates requirements and expensesEnsures compliance with the established budgetFamily and Community RelationsSupports a family-friendly environmentSupports a culture of respect for all familiesEstablish 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 AdministrationReliable 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 staffResponsible for job dutiesFlexible with assignmentsFlexible with schedulesRemains calm in tense situationsMaintains a positive attitude and professionalism.Follows policies and procedures of Little Endeavors, Department of Human Services, and Quality Rating SystemCommunicate 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 RelationshipsFriendly 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 AbilitiesTime management, organizational skillsAbility to work independentlyAbility to work with the director on inventory, ordering, and menusAbility to communicate effectively with co-workers, children, and administrationFlexible to work different schedules when neededValid driver’s licensePersonal CharacteristicsProactive, flexible, patient, professional, prompt, and reliable attendance at workNeat and appropriate personal appearance and attirePatient and calm under pressurePhysical Requirements/Working ConditionsThe Cook works in a fast paced, noisy, and busy environment with varying temperaturesWorking around moving objectsSlippery or uneven working surfacesLifting up to 50 lbsAble to stand for extended periods of timePhysically able to lift, push, pull, stand, walk, and bendFull time hours Monday through FridayNo 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.#hc124776