Cook

A Bright Beginning Childcare•Orange Park, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

A Bright Beginnings is looking for a dependable, organized, and caring Preschool Cook to support our children and school team in Orange Park, Florida. Our Cook plays an important role in the health, safety, and daily experience of our children. This position is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys food preparation but also wants to work in a family-centered school environment where their work makes a difference every day.

Requirements

Dependable and punctual
Organized and able to follow a daily meal schedule
Comfortable preparing food for groups of children
Knowledgeable about basic food safety and sanitation
Able to follow menus, recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary instructions
Detail-oriented, particularly regarding allergies and food restrictions
Able to maintain accurate records and documentation
Comfortable working independently while partnering with the school leadership team
Professional and positive when interacting with children, families, teachers, and coworkers
Able to maintain a clean and inspection-ready kitchen
Able to safely perform the physical responsibilities associated with food preparation and kitchen operations
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Previous cooking, food preparation, school nutrition, childcare food service, cafeteria, healthcare food service, or similar experience preferred
Previous experience preparing meals for groups is a plus
Previous experience working in a childcare, preschool, school, or child nutrition environment is strongly preferred
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, proper storage, and temperature control
Ability to follow written menus, recipes, and dietary instructions
Ability to meet all applicable Florida childcare, background screening, health, food-service, and employment requirements
Ability to complete required training and certifications associated with the position

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to established menus and meal schedules
Follow appropriate portion sizes for children based on age and program requirements
Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food-preparation area
Follow food safety, sanitation, health, licensing, and company requirements
Maintain appropriate food temperatures and safe food-storage practices
Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products
Monitor food inventory and communicate ordering or supply needs to school leadership
Receive and appropriately store food and kitchen deliveries
Follow established procedures regarding food allergies and dietary restrictions
Work closely with school leadership and teachers regarding children's dietary needs
Prepare meals and snacks on schedule so classroom routines remain consistent
Maintain required kitchen, meal, temperature, inventory, or sanitation documentation
Clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, food-preparation surfaces, appliances, and kitchen areas
Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly
Minimize food waste while maintaining appropriate portions and quality
Maintain a kitchen environment that is prepared for applicable health, licensing, and regulatory inspections
Support the school team with other appropriate duties as needed
Follow documented allergy and dietary information carefully
Prevent cross-contact and cross-contamination
Communicate immediately when there is a question about a child's meal or dietary restriction
Never make assumptions regarding a child's food allergy or dietary need
Maintain appropriate sanitation and handwashing practices
Keep food, equipment, and potentially hazardous materials safely secured