Kitchen Classroom Assistant- Head Start

Kitsap Community Resources • Bremerton, WA

23d • $17 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

Join our team at Kitsap Community Resources as a Head Start Kitchen-Classroom Assistant! This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young children by ensuring they have nutritious meals and snacks to fuel their learning and growth. It's a chance to be part of a meaningful mission, connect with a supportive community, and contribute to the health and happiness of the next generation! KCR offers comprehensive benefits including paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays, along with 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for employees. In addition, we provide a 6.5% employer contribution to 401K after the first year, plus access to employee assistance, wellness initiatives, and professional growth and development training programs. The Kitchen-Classroom Assistant is responsible for the preparation and delivery of meals and snacks for young children. This position requires to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment and to follow the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. In addition, the Kitchen-Classroom Assistant may be required to assist the Head Start teachers in the classroom.

Requirements

• Required Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Previous experience in food service, early learning center, school, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to pass State and/or Federal Background Checks prior to hire date.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test upon employment
• Show immunity to the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) before working in the center or have a medical or religious exemption on file.
• Initial physical exam within 90 days of employment.
• Must demonstrate recognition and compassion for low-income families and children.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, safety, and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow instructions, menus, recipes, and portion guidelines accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• CPR/First Aid Certification Card (within 90 days of employment)
• Food Worker Card (upon employment)
• Certifications as required by position and timeframe for requirement, noting source of certification such as federal, state, professional.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, reaching above shoulder level, perform repetitive tasks such as bending, reaching, and twisting.
• Must be able to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to hot surfaces, sharp tools, and cleaning chemicals.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to noise in a classroom setting.
• Must be able to build secure, nurturing relationships with children and families.
• Cognitive ability to recognize and address safety concerns.
• Requires accuracy, good communication, judgement, and the ability to remain calm and provide appropriate information.
• Must be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• Cognitive ability to discern accuracy and apply to work as necessary.
• Must be able to exhibit regular attendance.
• Conducts business and performs responsibilities with honesty, empathy, and integrity in alignment with KCR Code of Ethics.
• Demonstration of service delivery that aligns with KCR Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Proactively takes appropriate steps to maintain a safe, clean, healthy, and professional working environment, seeks guidance from supervision/management when there are questions.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in food service, early learning center, school, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of meals and snacks according to established menus and portion sizes.
• Know classroom food allergies and intolerances and able to follow child’s nutrition plan; and provide proper substitutions.
• Serve meals to classrooms and ensure timely delivery of food items.
• Clean and sanitized kitchen equipment, and food preparation areas in compliance with local health and safety regulations.
• Ensure proper storage of food and supplies, adhering to food safety guidelines.
• Keep kitchen organized and maintain an orderly workspace.
• Adhere to USDA CACP (Child Adult Care Food Program) guidelines, Head Start Performance Standards, and local health department regulations.
• Maintain accurate kitchen logs.
• Assist in the classroom as needed and provide support to the classroom staff.
• Be able to effectively communicate to KCR Food Services regarding food deliveries, or any food safety issue or concerns.
• Attend site team meetings along with kitchen staff meetings and trainings.
• Accept other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• KCR offers comprehensive benefits including paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays, along with 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for employees.
• In addition, we provide a 6.5% employer contribution to 401K after the first year, plus access to employee assistance, wellness initiatives, and professional growth and development training programs.
• Vacation, Sick, Personal Holiday, and other time off for life events such as Jury Duty, Bereavement, etc.
• 100% Employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long-term and Short-term Disability for employee only (dependents can be covered through payroll deduction)
• 6.5% Employer Contribution to 401K after first 12-18 months of employment
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Growth & Development Training Programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees