Childcare Kitchen Manager / Cook

Norman, OK, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

competitive salary

Dental Insurance

Employee Discounts

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Profit sharing

Tuition Assistance

Wellness resources

Company parties

Free food & snacks

Training & development

Vision Insurance

Job Description

The Goddard School of Moore, Oklahoma, is a highly regarded early childhood education center committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. As part of the larger Goddard School system, which has earned a reputation for quality care and innovative teaching methods, the Moore location offers a family-oriented atmosphere where children can grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. The school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), reflecting its dedication to maintaining the highest standards in early childhood education and care. The Goddard School of Moore is privately owned and operated by franchisees of Goddard Franchisor LLC, which allows for local management to tailor the school’s programs and policies to best serve their community while upholding the brand's core principles.

The role of Kitchen Manager/Cook at The Goddard School of Moore presents a unique opportunity for an experienced and passionate individual to lead the school's food program. This position is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks that accommodate the dietary needs of young children. The Kitchen Manager/Cook ensures compliance with Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) childcare licensing regulations, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, and internal school policies relating to safe food handling, nutrition, and kitchen sanitation. This hands-on role demands a dedicated professional who values healthy eating for children and takes pride in running a smooth, efficient kitchen operation.

In this position, the kitchen professional will play a vital role in supporting the healthy growth and development of children by delivering meals that meet stringent nutritional standards while addressing allergies, dietary restrictions, and special requests. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the school's leadership team, teachers, and parents to ensure clear communication around meal planning and children's nutritional needs. Responsibilities include menu planning, inventory and budget management, food ordering, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, and food safety compliance. The role also involves record-keeping, supervising food delivery to classrooms, and participation in staff training and meetings. Offering a competitive salary with weekday-only schedules and no nights, weekends, or major holidays, this position comes with a comprehensive benefits package including dental, vision, and health insurance, paid time off, tuition assistance, and wellness resources.

Overall, the Kitchen Manager/Cook position at The Goddard School of Moore is ideal for an individual who thrives in a supportive, family-like atmosphere and is committed to enhancing children's lives through excellent nutrition and food safety. The school encourages candidates with a background in childcare food service, strong organizational skills, and a love for working with children to apply. This role offers a meaningful and stable career path in a respected organization dedicated to early childhood development and community well-being.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent
Previous cooking or kitchen management experience
Current Food Handler's Permit or Food Manager Certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted
Reliable transportation and valid driver's license
Must pass OKDHS background checks, fingerprinting, and licensing clearances
Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask
Positive, professional attitude
Ability to work independently
Compliance with food safety and sanitation standards

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or GED equivalent
Previous experience as a cook, chef, or kitchen manager in childcare, school, restaurant, or institutional food-service setting
Current Food Handler's Permit or Food Manager Certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days
Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation practices, and basic nutrition for young children
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted and perform physical tasks
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Positive attitude and professionalism
Preferred experience working in licensed childcare or preschool, familiarity with CACFP guidelines, ServSafe certification, menu planning and inventory management experience

Job Duties

Prepare and serve daily breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks according to approved menus and CACFP guidelines
Plan weekly menus while accommodating food allergies, dietary restrictions, and special meal requests
Order food, beverages, and kitchen supplies from approved vendors and manage inventory within budget
Receive, inspect, and properly store food deliveries maintaining cold chain for perishables
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and storage areas following health regulations and cleaning schedules
Practice and enforce safe food handling techniques including temperature monitoring, labeling, and record-keeping
Distribute meals to classrooms and assist with on-site documentation for licensing and CACFP compliance
Obtain manufacturer's specifications or Child Nutrition Labels for commercially prepared items
Collaborate with leadership, teachers, and parents regarding children's nutritional needs and communicate relevant information
Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and food-service workshops
Perform additional related duties to support school operations