Preschool Chef

The Learning Experience Corp - Eastmark, AZ•Mesa- Eastmark, AZ

10h•$17 - $20

About The Position

The Preschool Chef prepares nutritionally balanced, attractive family-style meals for children while helping create a joyful, safe, and thriving environment. The role follows state and federal nutrition guidelines, center budget practices, and health and safety protocols. The Chef works collaboratively with center staff and supports children, families, and the community through attentive food service and, when needed, classroom assistance. The position includes planning and posting approved menus, making appropriate substitutions, maintaining inventory and meal records, ordering food within budget, preparing and serving meals and snacks, and keeping food, supplies, equipment, and kitchen areas sanitary and safe. It also includes following emergency procedures and applicable health, hygiene, and food-service rules. The Chef is expected to interact appropriately with children, help ensure their safety and caregiving needs are met, promote positive social behavior and communication, and support age-appropriate activities. The role requires patience, sound judgment, flexibility, and the ability to work outdoors for portions of the day and perform the stated physical tasks. Reasonable accommodations can be made with supporting documentation.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Early childhood education coursework preferred.

Responsibilities

Know state nutritional requirements for children.
Plan, post, and follow approved nutritionally sound menus, making alternate substitutions as needed.
Maintain accurate inventory records and place food orders within the center food budget.
Prepare and serve food in quantities appropriate to daily attendance and at appropriate temperatures in classroom-safe serving containers.
Store food, supplies, and equipment safely and 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 techniques.
Empty and sanitize trash receptacles regularly.
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.
Ask for help when needed and maintain a positive attitude.
Build respectful, supportive relationships with regulatory representatives and center staff; collaborate with team members and support group decisions.
Handle routine situations with sound judgment, flexibility, and positivity, and demonstrate team spirit.
Build friendly rapport with families and provide customer service.
Conduct food shopping as necessary 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 needs, including diapering, dressing, grooming, and feeding, are met.
Model and promote positive social behaviors and strong communication.
Support child development through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
Maintain composure, patience, and professionalism.
Perform other duties as assigned.