Child Care Cook

Madison College•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Madison College is expanding its childcare services at the Early Learning Centers on the Goodman South and Truax campuses and is seeking a Child Care Cook. This role supports the preparation and delivery of nutritious meals for children aged six weeks to five years, while promoting high nutritional standards and maintaining a safe, clean kitchen. The Child Care Cook works with the Childcare Food Specialist on food preparation, meal service, cleanup, and sanitation, adhering to all regulations. The position also involves leading kitchen operations in the Food Specialist's absence and performing light housekeeping duties like laundry, dishwashing, and sanitizing children's areas and toys. The goal is to contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of children by ensuring nutritious meals are prepared and served safely in a clean and welcoming early learning environment.

Requirements

Meets requirements of WI Licensing Rules for Group Day Care Centers (HFS 46) for physical exam, TB skin test, and criminal background check both upon hire and on ongoing basis.
Achieve within 3 months and maintain current certification in first aid and CPR.
Ability to follow recipes, worksheets, and verbal instructions to prepare food per regulations, including scaling recipes and portioning servings for infants-preschoolers.
High School Diploma or equivalent working experience.
0-2 years of relevant work experience
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of quantity food preparation, equipment, and sanitation methods is desirable.
Skill in engaging positively with all populations and communities, contributing to a safe and inclusive learning and work environment.
Skill in effectively and respectfully communicating with others.

Responsibilities

Assists the Childcare Food Specialist in preparing meals that meet menu guidelines, nutritional and cultural needs, and age-appropriate portions.
Prepares food for special center events and promotes family-style dining in classrooms.
Leads food preparation in the absence of the Childcare Food Specialist, ensuring children receive nutritious, culturally respectful meals in a supportive environment that encourages healthy eating habits and social development.
Delivers meals and service items to classrooms on schedule, returns leftovers and dishes to the kitchen, and cleans and stores food according to regulations, ensuring timely, safe meal service and compliance with health standards.
Maintains inventory and condition of supplies and equipment, reporting any faults to the Childcare Food Specialist and Assistant Manager, to ensure a safe, efficient kitchen environment and uninterrupted meal service.
Ensures all food service areas are safe, clean, and culturally appropriate, maintaining compliance with State Licensing, City Accreditation, USDA Food Program, Wisconsin Early Learning Standards, and Madison College policies.
Together with the Childcare Food Specialist, maintains accurate records of menus, production, inventory, and sanitation.
Inspects food deliveries for accuracy, safety, and quality, promptly reporting any issues.
Contributes to program newsletters and supports training for student-staff nutrition aides, to promote family involvement and nutrition education.
Performs light housekeeping tasks, including laundry and sanitizing classroom toys and materials, to support the center’s overall safety and success.
Performs other related duties within the scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of the division and to support institutional objectives.