Kitchen Aide

HOPKINS HOUSE-A CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES • Alexandria, VA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kitchen Aide plays a vital role in ensuring Hopkins House Preschool Academy students receive healthy, nutritious meals every day. This position supports meal preparation, maintains a clean and safe kitchen environment, and ensures compliance with food safety regulations and CACFP standards. Working closely with colleagues, families, and catering partners, the Kitchen Aide helps create a positive environment where children can thrive.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1 or more years of food handling experience in school, restaurant, or similar setting.
• Must have an active Food Handler Certificate.
• Must be able to work on-site from 7 am to 3 pm, Monday - Friday.
• Vehicle and license to drive to local grocery or store, as needed.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting food trays and standing for extended periods.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues, children (“Young Scholars”), and parents.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily with the outside caterer to confirm the appropriate number of meals, including special events and field trips.
• Receive and verify food deliveries from the catering service.
• Purchase and/or order additional food and supplies, as needed, from local stores.
• Distribute properly portioned meals to each classroom for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.
• Maintain accurate inventory of food and supplies in both kitchen and classrooms.
• Ensure compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) menu and meal service standards.
• Keep kitchen, dining areas, and equipment clean and sanitary, including dishwashing, surface cleaning, trash removal, and hygiene protocols.
• Follow all food safety regulations and best practices for safe food handling and storage.
• Conduct required Health Department inspections and maintain compliance records.
• Assist with deep cleaning tasks at the beginning and end of the school term, and provide support during school events and summer programs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, which may include substituting in classrooms during educator breaks or absences.

Benefits

• paid time off (i.e., sick, vacation, family leave, etc.)
• paid holidays
• health and dental coverage
• childcare tuition discounts

What This Job Offers

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