Preschool Cook & Classroom Support / Small Group (Under 30 Children) (44447)

UCP of Central Arizona•Phoenix, AZ

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Cook/Classroom Support (Small Group under 30) is responsible for planning, preparing, and maintaining food service operations for a small early learning center. This role ensures a safe, clean, and compliant kitchen environment, including menu preparation, food ordering, and proper food handling practices. In addition to food service duties, this position provides limited classroom support coverage for preschool staff during scheduled lunch and break periods, approximately two hours per day. Classroom support occurs in a small group setting and does not replace the role of a lead teacher. This is a part-time position, working Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., totaling 20 hours per week.

Requirements

Any combination equivalent to one year commercial or institutional cooking experience
Experience in planning and preparing nutritionally based meals for children in a child care setting.
Basic training in food safety and nutrition.
Current Maricopa County Food Handler Card
Maintain a current Food Manager Card
Must satisfy Department of Health Services (DHS) licensure requirements for valid First Aid and Infant & Child CPR certifications
Class One Fingerprint Clearance
Must obtain Food Managers Card within 90 days of hire
Negative results of a Mantoux TB test
Must be 20 years of age or older
Knowledge of: State and federal guidelines and requirements governing the child care food program
Food preparation and presentation methods and techniques
Food quality standards, including health guidelines
Nutritional guidelines
Food allergies
Menu preparation
Standard kitchen equipment
Safety and sanitation standards
Understanding of Occupational Safety and Health guidelines
Ability to: Operate standard kitchen equipment.
Make large quantities of quality food/ adapt daily quantities as needed.
Read and follow recipes.
Keep accurate records.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Work cooperatively with others.
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Move food weighting up to 25 pounds from vehicle to food storage and preparation area.
Attend meetings and trainings as required.

Nice To Haves

Any combination equivalent to three years commercial or institutional cooking experience.
One year or more experience in planning and preparing nutritionally based meals for children in a child care setting
Advanced training in food safety and nutrition.

Responsibilities

In coordination with the Director, plan and develop four week rotating menus for the Early Learning Center.
Prepare and serve meals and snacks in compliance with Department of Health Services Meal Pattern requirements.
Ensure that food is cooked satisfactorily in quality and for quantity prepared.
Prepare and store food in accordance with accepted sanitation procedures.
Prepare and maintain a variety of records and logs.
Maintain adequate inventory of cooking ingredients.
Adhere to assigned food budget.
Maintain sanitation, health and safety standards in work area in accordance with health regulations.
Food ordering
Food inventory controls
Inventory management
Clean and sanitize kitchen on a daily basis.
Operate and maintain in a clean and safe fashion, a variety of kitchen equipment, including range, oven, refrigerator, freezer, microwave and other appliances.
Maintain required certifications.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain personal hygiene standards.
Attend trainings and meetings as required.
Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.
Maintains optimum attendance and reliability.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrate UCP’s Values.