Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Training opportunities
flexible schedule
Employee Discounts
Job Description
Ivy Kids is a reputed childcare provider dedicated to fostering healthy and supportive environments for children’s growth and development. With a strong commitment to nutritional excellence, Ivy Kids operates childcare centers designed to meet the highest standards of care and educational enrichment. Their programs emphasize not only cognitive development but also the importance of proper nutrition, aligning with state and federal guidelines to ensure children receive balanced meals that support their overall well-being. Ivy Kids upholds stringent policies and procedures to create safe and nurturing spaces, supporting families and children alike with comprehensive care and educational services.
The role of the Chef at Ivy Kids is essential in ensuring that all meals and snacks served to the children and staff are nutritious, safe, and prepared in accordance with strict guidelines. This full-time position requires a dedicated culinary professional who can deliver meals that comply with the BrainBite menus, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards, and Texas Health and Human Services nutritional requirements. The Chef will be responsible for planning meal cycles, purchasing and managing inventory, and maintaining meticulous records to keep the food program within budget and compliant with regulatory expectations. This role demands a proactive individual who can maintain positive relationships with staff, children, parents, and regulatory officials while ensuring the kitchen environment is sanitary and food safety standards are consistently met.
The Chef’s duties extend beyond cooking to include the organization of food distribution to classrooms, accommodating special dietary needs by preparing substitute items, and implementing safe food handling processes. The Chef must adeptly manage food ordering, storage, and kitchen equipment usage. A keen eye for detail is required to sustain accurate meal counts, maintain inventory, and uphold cleanliness standards throughout the kitchen and storage areas using a 4-step sanitation process. Furthermore, the Chef will participate in staff meetings and trainings and occasionally work after hours or on weekends for center events, underscoring the importance of flexibility and teamwork in this role.
This position suits individuals with at least three years of cooking experience, food managers certification, and a commitment to a high standard of quality in childcare nutrition. Candidates authorized to work in the United States with reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and the physical capability to stand for the majority of the workday are preferred. The role demands excellent time management skills and the ability to lift heavy items and perform physically demanding tasks routinely. Background checks will be conducted to ensure a safe and secure environment for all children and staff featured at Ivy Kids. This job is an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals who are passionate about child nutrition and eager to contribute to a respected childcare institution dedicated to health, education, and comprehensive child development.
The role of the Chef at Ivy Kids is essential in ensuring that all meals and snacks served to the children and staff are nutritious, safe, and prepared in accordance with strict guidelines. This full-time position requires a dedicated culinary professional who can deliver meals that comply with the BrainBite menus, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards, and Texas Health and Human Services nutritional requirements. The Chef will be responsible for planning meal cycles, purchasing and managing inventory, and maintaining meticulous records to keep the food program within budget and compliant with regulatory expectations. This role demands a proactive individual who can maintain positive relationships with staff, children, parents, and regulatory officials while ensuring the kitchen environment is sanitary and food safety standards are consistently met.
The Chef’s duties extend beyond cooking to include the organization of food distribution to classrooms, accommodating special dietary needs by preparing substitute items, and implementing safe food handling processes. The Chef must adeptly manage food ordering, storage, and kitchen equipment usage. A keen eye for detail is required to sustain accurate meal counts, maintain inventory, and uphold cleanliness standards throughout the kitchen and storage areas using a 4-step sanitation process. Furthermore, the Chef will participate in staff meetings and trainings and occasionally work after hours or on weekends for center events, underscoring the importance of flexibility and teamwork in this role.
This position suits individuals with at least three years of cooking experience, food managers certification, and a commitment to a high standard of quality in childcare nutrition. Candidates authorized to work in the United States with reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and the physical capability to stand for the majority of the workday are preferred. The role demands excellent time management skills and the ability to lift heavy items and perform physically demanding tasks routinely. Background checks will be conducted to ensure a safe and secure environment for all children and staff featured at Ivy Kids. This job is an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals who are passionate about child nutrition and eager to contribute to a respected childcare institution dedicated to health, education, and comprehensive child development.
Job Requirements
- must have 3 years or more cooking experience
- must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- be authorized to work in the United States
- must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license
- has the ability to stand 95% of the workday
- must be able to repeatedly bend and stoop to clean, store, and retrieve kitchen items
- must be able to repeatedly lift large cans and bulky packages of food
- must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
- background check required
- food managers certification
Job Qualifications
- must have 3 years or more cooking experience
- must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- be authorized to work in the United States
- must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license
- has the ability to stand 95% of the workday
- must be able to repeatedly bend and stoop to clean, store, and retrieve kitchen items
- must be able to repeatedly lift large cans and bulky packages of food
- must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
- excellent time management
- food managers certification
- background check required
Job Duties
- understands and complies with Ivy Kids Brand Standards and Texas Minimum Standards
- understand and implement CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) and Brainbites guidelines
- implements the cycle menu under Ivy Kids policies, procedures, established practices, budget requirements, and the guidelines established by Texas Health and Human Services
- prepares nutritious meals and morning/afternoon snacks for children daily
- prepares substitute items for children on restricted diets
- organizes and distributes food to the classrooms for meals and snacks including meeting the time of day meal service guidelines
- practices safe food handling techniques in food preparation and storage
- plans and purchases all food and necessary supplies needed to provide food service
- maintains verification of food and non-food purchases to meet the state's requirements
- cook maintains and stores food at appropriate temperatures
- ensures safe use of cooking and serving utensils and kitchen equipment
- serves all food at appropriate temperature and in appropriate containers with appropriate serving utensils
- places food orders per program budget and keeps accurate food and kitchen supply inventory records
- keeps accurate meal and snack count records, as required
- maintains all meal and menu records for appropriate periods
- works with classroom staff to retrieve all kitchen items and food on time
- follows all local regulatory agency requirements for health, safety, and hygiene procedures, including hand washing and food preparation
- washes and sanitizes dishes and cookware, using sanitizing methods determined by the program and local regulatory agencies
- maintains safe and sanitary kitchen floors, counter, pantry, and storage areas
- cleans and maintains kitchen
- washes and sanitizes food service utensils, equipment, and food storage areas to standards mandated by the State of Texas Department of Human Services and CCL
- and best practices with regards to food safety and sanitation
- understand and adhere to Ivy Kids Personnel Policies
- ensure proper dress code at all times
- maintains cleanliness and follows a 4-step sanitation process and cleaning checklist
- is aware of children's allergies
- be regular in your attendance at work
- communicates appropriately with potential and current families
- attend staff meetings and trainings
- maybe required to work after hours or weekends for center events, trainings, etc
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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