Preschool Cook

Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers • Rochester, MI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Cook at Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center in Rochester, Michigan, prepares and serves nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks for children. The center views mealtimes as an opportunity to support children’s learning, encourage healthy eating habits, and help them explore new foods. Menus follow CACFP guidelines and include appropriate meal components and serving portions, with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, proteins, and dairy.

The Cook works with the Food Service Director to create healthy monthly menus and oversees weekly food deliveries and kitchen inventory. This is a sole-cook role serving two meals and two snacks daily to more than 70 children and 15 adults. The kitchen is in a home renovated as an early learning center and has the appliances needed to prepare meals.

The role is full-time and onsite, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. It reports to the Center Director. The listed pay is $18.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus ServSafe certification.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in food preparation, preferably in a childcare or institutional setting.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices; ServSafe certification is required.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Flexibility to work on short notice and adapt to changing schedules.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Must pass background checks, including fingerprinting, as required by state regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to approved menus and portion guidelines.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen and in equipment and food storage areas.
• Follow food safety and hygiene protocols, including proper food handling and storage.
• Assist with inventory management and notify the supervisor of supply needs.
• Wash dishes, utensils, and cookware used in meal preparation and service.
• Ensure meals accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies as directed.
• Coordinate meal times and classroom delivery with teaching and administrative staff.
• Maintain records of food temperatures, cleaning schedules, and meal counts.
• Follow licensing and regulatory requirements for early childhood food service.
• Work with the Food Service Director to create healthy monthly menus and oversee weekly food deliveries and kitchen inventory.

Benefits

• Paid professional development.
• Childcare discount (Tri-Share center/employer).
• Medical, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance.
• Free telehealth and employee assistance program starting day one.
• Aflac supplemental insurance.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid planning time.
• Referral bonuses.
• Annual performance reviews and increases.
• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
• Birthday benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED