Kitchen Assistant

Stepping Stones Nursery School • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Kitchen Assistant – Join Our Vibrant Team!Chicago, Illinois 60634 Ready to make a difference in young lives while unleashing your culinary creativity? Stepping Stones Nursery School, a proud member of the Cadence Education family, is thrilled to invite a passionate Kitchen Assistant to join our dynamic team of childcare superstars! If you love working with children and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood education, this is your chance to shine in a role that’s as rewarding as it is delicious. Why You’ll Love Being Part of Cadence Education:At Cadence, we’re on a mission to spark bright futures for children, families, employees, and communities. Our cutting-edge, research-based curriculum and nurturing, home-like environments set the gold standard in early education. You’ll be part of a high-energy team that’s all about collaboration, open communication, and creating a joyful, supportive workplace. We’re not just a preschool—we’re a launchpad for lifelong learning, and we need your culinary talents to fuel our little explorers! Why This Role Rocks: Immediate Start: We’re hiring NOW, so you can jump right into the action! Join a Leader: With over 325 schools across 30 states and 30+ years of expertise, Cadence Education is a powerhouse in early childhood education, preparing kids to soar. Who We’re Looking For: Experience in childcare, daycare, or early childhood education is a plus, but your enthusiasm is what counts most! Someone who thrives in a collaborative, upbeat environment and loves making a difference. Ready to cook up some joy? Apply today and become part of a team that’s transforming lives, one meal at a time! Cadence Education is your home for growth, connection, and impact.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Compliance with all state-specific preschool cook regulations.
• At least one year of experience in meal planning, preparation, and service, adhering to USDA guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• Valid Food Handler’s Card or ServSafe certification.
• Experience in childcare, daycare, or early childhood education is a plus, but your enthusiasm is what counts most!

Responsibilities

• Distribute Morning Snack, Lunch, and Afternoon Snack dishes into 3 sets of bins.
• Put away clean dishes and serve-ware.
• Bring morning dishes to classrooms and collect from cart back to Kitchen.
• Morning Snack Dishes: Clean dishes by classroom. Also wipe out and sanitize the dish tubs so they are clean.
• Keep cart cleaned.
• Accept meals from G.G., make sure all food is there, and check/log temp of food. Place warm food in the heater and cold food in the fridge and dry goods above warm foods on shelf.
• Preparing meals: Look at the numbers for how many and which type of meals go to which rooms. Make sure children with different meals (vegetarian & allergy) are in their labeled containers. Make sure classrooms also get correct measured serving spoons and tongs to serve the children their lunch.
• Bring lunch dishes to classrooms and collect from cart back to Kitchen.
• Lunch Dishes: Wash the cups first then the dishes. If it’s a greasy/messy lunch clean/change out the water in between each classroom’s dishes.
• Take extra lunch food that staff and children have not eaten and throw away in the trash can.
• Maintain and tidy the kitchen area.
• Take stock of groceries once a week (Friday) and Cleaning supplies & Bulk food once a twice a month and submit order requests to the Education Director.
• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline.
• Model positive behavior by utilizing appropriate language, interactions, and positive discipline methods.
• Continuously monitor children to ensure safety at all times, and report child abuse and neglect when necessary.
• Support in classrooms as a substituting Assistant Teacher as needed
• Participate in staff meetings, staff In-Service training, center activities, and staff development.
• Engage in continuing education and professional development activities such as trainings, workshops, and classes to meet required qualifications.
• Check in with Assistant Director / Director for other duties/tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet.
• 50% childcare tuition discount—perfect for your own little ones!
• 401(k) with employer match to plan for your future.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, plus life, disability, and pet insurance.
• Generous paid time off (increases with seniority), paid holidays, and company-paid life insurance.
• Educational perks: Paid CDA, tuition reimbursement, and professional development to grow your skills.

What This Job Offers

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