Kitchen Assistant - Downers Grove
About The Position
As a Kitchen Assistant at Bright Horizons, you will support the cook to plan and prepare nutritious, family‑style meals that support children’s health, growth, and learning. Each day, your care in the kitchen will create a warm, predictable routine for children, educators, and center staff. From simmering soups to perfectly portioned plates, your work will fuel growing minds. Join a team where your contributions matter and where you are supported to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference each day. This is a Monday - Friday part-time position. Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We’re changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you’re the difference. You’re the Difference Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. Whether you're supporting children, families, or our client partners, your work matters — and so do you. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We’re changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you’re the difference.
Requirements
- Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements
- 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required
- Having or obtaining a food handler certification within 30 days of hire is preferred
- Course work or certification in Nutrition is preferred
- Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or high‑volume food service setting is preferred
- This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training.
- If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food service per Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee.
- Physical demands include lifting and carrying food and supplies (typically 10 to 40 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds), standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, pushing carts, and performing repetitive kitchen and cleaning tasks.
- Employees must maintain mental and physical alertness and be able to respond immediately and appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.
Nice To Haves
- Having or obtaining a food handler certification within 30 days of hire is preferred
- Course work or certification in Nutrition is preferred
- Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or high‑volume food service setting is preferred
Responsibilities
- Previous experience within a role which involves cooking or working in a kitchen within a domestic or commercial property
- Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
- Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
- Great communication skills, with both colleagues, children, and parents
- Ability to work under pressure
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Long-term and short-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools
- Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program
- Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family
- Employee Referral Bonus Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
