Childcare Cook - Dover

The hiring establishment is a child care center that operates under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in a licensed care environment. The center is committed to promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring the well-being of every child in their care through adherence to approved menus and strict nutrition standards. This organization values compliance with health and safety regulations, equal access to meal services, and maintaining high standards in meal preparation and service, making it a trusted facility among parents and the community.

We are currently seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join our team on a full-time basis. The role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to child nutrition and support the daily operations of a busy food service kitchen in a childcare setting. The compensation is competitive and aligned with industry standards for food service professionals in early childhood education environments.

The Food Service Worker will be responsible for preparing and serving meals and snacks in accordance with approved menus, standardized recipes, and CACFP meal patterns. This includes ensuring that food is served in age-appropriate textures and portion sizes to meet the nutritional needs of children. Accuracy in completing Meal Production Records, maintaining food temperature logs, and daily sanitation checklists is essential to the role. The candidate will also be expected to uphold kitchen, food storage, and dining area sanitation standards meeting health department and licensing requirements.

Monitoring inventory levels, reporting shortages, and assisting with receiving and storing deliveries using the First In, First Out (FIFO) method are other critical responsibilities. This role also involves ensuring compliance with CACFP Civil Rights requirements, guaranteeing that all children have equal access to meals and accommodating dietary restrictions such as food allergies and disabilities.

Effective communication with classroom staff about meal counts, timing, and any special dietary needs is a key part of the job to ensure smooth meal service operations.

This position requires a minimum of one year of food service or kitchen preparation experience, preferably with some background in licensed childcare centers or CACFP-funded programs. A valid Food Handlers Permit is required, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire. Physical requirements include the ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive kitchen tasks, and lift up to 40 pounds.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about contributing to healthy meal preparation and food safety in a childcare setting. The role is ideal for candidates who thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working as part of a team ensuring children receive nutritious and safe meals every day.