Early Learning Cook
About The Position
Make a difference every day—starting in the kitchen. At the Whatcom Family YMCA, we believe every child deserves a healthy start. As our Barkley Early Learning Center Cook, you’ll play a vital role in nurturing young children by preparing nutritious, delicious meals that fuel their growth, learning, and joy. This isn’t just a cooking job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. What You’ll Do Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and two daily snacks for children ages 1–5 Follow CACFP guidelines to ensure meals meet nutritional standards Accommodate food allergies and dietary needs with approved substitutions Maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety Collaborate with leadership to plan menus and manage food inventory/orders Ensure proper food storage and delivery procedures Work alongside teaching staff to support food-related activities Create a warm, welcoming environment for children and families Our Commitment to You At the YMCA, we’re more than a workplace—we’re a community. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive regardless of background or identity. We work every day to: Remove barriers to access Support working families Improve community health Empower the next generation Why Join the Y? Meaningful work that impacts children and families Supportive, mission-driven team environment Opportunities for growth and ongoing training A workplace that values diversity, equity, and belonging OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY: Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of change makers for our country.
Requirements
- Age 18+ with high school diploma (or equivalent)
- Experience cooking for large groups
- Knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and basic cooking techniques
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Strong time management and multitasking skills
- A passion for working around young children and supporting families
- Willingness to continue learning in early childhood education and nutrition
- Certifications (or willingness to obtain): CPR/AED & First Aid (Adult, Infant & Child)
- Food Handler’s Card
- MERIT ID & Portable Background Check
- HIV/Bloodborne Pathogen training
- Negative TB Test & MMR Immunization Record
Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and two daily snacks for children ages 1–5
- Follow CACFP guidelines to ensure meals meet nutritional standards
- Accommodate food allergies and dietary needs with approved substitutions
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety
- Collaborate with leadership to plan menus and manage food inventory/orders
- Ensure proper food storage and delivery procedures
- Work alongside teaching staff to support food-related activities
- Create a warm, welcoming environment for children and families
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
