Daycare Chef/Cook

The Learning Experience - Omaha, NE - North Streams•Omaha, NE

About The Position

The Learning Experience is hiring a Chef/Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children in an early childhood education center. The role manages daily food preparation, kitchen sanitation, inventory, and meal service while following applicable nutrition, food safety, and childcare requirements. The Chef/Cook works with center leadership, teachers, and families to support positive, timely meals and snacks, accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, and maintain TLE standards for quality, safety, and service. The position also supports center events and special meal needs when appropriate.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, unless otherwise permitted by state requirements.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling.
Ability to follow menus, recipes, portions, and nutrition guidelines.
Strong organization and time-management skills.
Food Handler or equivalent certification where required.
Must meet applicable licensing, background screening, health, and training requirements.
Ability to stand for extended periods; bend, reach, and move throughout the kitchen; and safely lift up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Food service experience in a childcare center, preschool, school, restaurant, cafeteria, catering, or commercial kitchen is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks according to approved menus, recipes, portions, and nutrition guidelines.
Provide consistent and timely meal and snack service and help make mealtimes positive for children.
Monitor attendance and prepare appropriate food quantities.
Manage food inventory, supplies, ordering, and purchasing within the established budget.
Monitor food quality, expiration dates, storage, and safe food temperatures.
Maintain required meal and snack records, including CACFP records when applicable.
Follow procedures for food allergies, dietary restrictions, and accommodations.
Communicate menu, supply, meal-service, and kitchen needs to center leadership and the center team.
Work cooperatively with teachers and center staff to support smooth meal and snack transitions.
Follow food handling, preparation, storage, cooking, and serving procedures.
Clean and sanitize dishes, cookware, equipment, counters, and food preparation areas; maintain an organized kitchen and properly stored food and supplies.
Follow applicable food service, sanitation, health, safety, and licensing requirements.
Prepare and serve food with attention to quality and consistency, and support center events and special meal needs when appropriate.
Maintain professional and dependable working relationships and contribute to a positive experience for children and families.