Childcare Cook - Dover

Circle of Friends Child Development Center • Fairfield, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Childcare Cook is responsible for the preparation and service of meals and snacks according to approved menus, standardized recipes, and CACFP meal patterns. This role involves ensuring 100% accuracy in daily Meal Production Records, maintaining food temperature logs, and adhering to sanitation checklists. The cook must ensure the kitchen, food storage, and dining areas meet all health department and licensing sanitation standards, and that food is prepared with age-appropriate textures and portion sizes. Key duties also include monitoring food and supply inventory, notifying the Site Director of shortages, and assisting with deliveries using FIFO standards. The position requires compliance with CACFP Civil Rights requirements, ensuring equal access to meal services for all children, and accommodating documented food allergies or disabilities. Effective communication with classroom staff regarding meal counts, timing, and specific dietary needs is also essential.

Requirements

• Valid Food Handlers Permit (Required, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and large-scale meal preparation.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail in record-keeping, and the ability to maintain a positive demeanor in a fast-paced environment.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in food service or kitchen preparation.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working within a licensed child care center or a CACFP-funded program.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to approved menus, standardized recipes and CACFP meal patterns.
• Complete daily Meal Production Records with 100% accuracy; maintain food temperature logs and sanitation checklists daily.
• Ensure the kitchen, food storage, and dining areas meet all health department and licensing sanitation standards; ensure food is prepared in age-appropriate textures and portion sizes.
• Monitor food and supply inventory; notify the Site Director of shortages and assist in receiving and storing deliveries according to "First In, First Out" (FIFO) standards.
• Maintain compliance with CACFP Civil Rights requirements, ensuring all children have equal access to meal services and accommodating documented food allergies or disabilities.
• Coordinate effectively with classroom staff regarding meal counts, timing, and specific dietary needs or transitions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED