Preschool Chef

The Learning Experience Corp - Hackensack, NJ•Hackensack, NJ

About The Position

At The Learning Experience, Cooks prepare nutritionally balanced, attractive family-style meals for children while helping create a joyful, safe, and thriving environment. They follow state and federal nutrition guidelines, center budget practices, and health and safety protocols, contributing to children’s well-being and supporting their families and communities. The role includes planning and preparing meals and snacks, maintaining food and equipment records, ordering food within budget, and keeping the kitchen clean and sanitary. Cooks also collaborate with center staff, build friendly relationships with families, conduct food shopping as needed, and assist in classrooms when needed. The position requires relevant kitchen experience, a valid food service or handler permit or license as required by local regulations, and compliance with applicable childcare, health, and safety guidelines.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Must meet state-specific guidelines for the role.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Relevant experience in a licensed childcare facility kitchen, commercial kitchen, public school cafeteria, or equivalent.
Valid food service or food handler permit or license as required by state or local regulations.
Follow applicable state and federal requirements, including immunizations, physicals, and training.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
Ability to reach, stretch, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Ability to store and retrieve food items from shelves at varying heights using stools or ladders.
Ability to supervise children by sight and sound.
Ability to work portions of the day outdoors in temperatures ranging from 20°F to 95°F.
Ability to maintain the alertness and energy needed to perform essential job functions.

Nice To Haves

Early childhood education coursework preferred.

Responsibilities

Understand state nutritional requirements for children.
Plan, post, and follow approved, nutritionally sound menus, making alternate substitutions as needed.
Maintain accurate inventory records and order food within the center food budget.
Prepare and serve food in quantities based on daily attendance, at appropriate temperatures and in classroom-safe containers.
Store food, supplies, and equipment safely and in accordance with state and local regulations.
Maintain accurate meal and snack count records according to CACFP guidelines, if applicable.
Follow health, hygiene, and safety procedures, including proper lifting and handwashing.
Regularly empty and sanitize trash receptacles.
Wash and sanitize dishes and cookware using approved methods.
Clean and maintain kitchen appliances, counters, and shelves, and manage spills as needed.
Understand and follow applicable emergency procedures.
Maintain a positive attitude and ask for help when needed.
Build respectful, supportive relationships with regulatory representatives and center staff.
Collaborate with team members and support group decisions to maintain a harmonious work environment.
Handle routine situations with good judgment, flexibility, and positivity.
Build friendly rapport with families and provide outstanding customer service.
Conduct food shopping as needed and assist in classrooms when needed.
Use sound judgment to identify and address risks in a childcare environment.
Help ensure children are safe and that their care needs, including diapering, dressing, grooming, and feeding, are met.
Model and promote positive social behaviors and strong communication.
Support children’s development through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
Maintain composure, patience, and professionalism.
Perform other duties as assigned.