Preschool Chef

The Learning Experience•Hackensack, NJ

About The Position

The Preschool Chef prepares nutritionally balanced, appealing family-style meals for children and helps maintain a joyful, safe, and supportive childcare environment. The role follows state and federal nutrition guidelines, center budget practices, and health and safety protocols, working collaboratively with center staff to support children and families. Compensation is $19.00 per hour. The chef plans and follows approved menus, adjusts food quantities to daily attendance, maintains inventory and meal records, and ensures food and equipment are stored, handled, and cleaned according to applicable regulations. The position may also include grocery shopping and assisting in classrooms when needed. The chef is expected to interact appropriately with children, families, staff, and regulatory representatives and to maintain a positive, professional, team-oriented approach.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Early childhood education coursework preferred.

Responsibilities

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 amounts based on daily attendance and at appropriate temperatures in classroom-safe containers.
Store food, supplies, and equipment safely in accordance with state and local regulations.
Maintain meal and snack count records according to CACFP guidelines, if applicable.
Follow health, hygiene, and safety procedures, including proper lifting and handwashing.
Empty and sanitize trash receptacles; wash and sanitize dishes and cookware; and clean and maintain kitchen appliances, counters, and shelves.
Follow emergency procedures for relevant situations.
Build respectful, supportive working relationships with regulatory representatives and center staff, collaborate with team members, and support group decisions.
Use good judgment, flexibility, patience, and professionalism in routine situations and maintain a positive attitude.
Build friendly rapport with families and provide outstanding customer service.
Conduct food shopping as necessary and assist in classrooms when needed.
Help ensure children are safe and their caregiving needs, including diapering, dressing, grooming, and feeding, are met.
Model and promote positive social behavior and communication, and support development through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.