Childcare Kitchen Manager / Cook

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $13.50 - $18.00
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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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 is a distinguished early childhood education provider committed to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for young learners aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Renowned for its high standards and dedication to quality, the school holds accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), reflecting its commitment to excellence in early childhood education and care. The school integrates a family-like atmosphere where children, parents, and staff collaborate closely to foster a supportive community focused on the holistic development of each child. The institution emphasizes not only academic and social growth but also the physical well-being of its students through well-rounded, health-conscious programs.

The role of Kitchen Manager/Cook at The Goddard School of Moore is a vital position designed for a candidate who has a passion for cooking nutritious meals tailored specifically for young children. As a hands-on role, this position encompasses the full spectrum of kitchen management responsibilities, including menu planning, food preparation, and meal service. The Kitchen Manager/Cook ensures that meals are kid-friendly, nutritious, and supportive of the children’s healthy growth and development. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining impeccable kitchen safety and sanitation standards in compliance with Oklahoma Department of Human Services childcare licensing requirements, the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, and The Goddard School’s internal policies.

This is an independent and rewarding position ideal for someone who thrives in managing food service operations with efficiency and care. In this role, the individual will collaborate closely with the school's leadership and teaching staff to ensure a consistent and positive dining experience for all children. The Kitchen Manager/Cook will be accountable for planning menus to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, ordering supplies within budget, and guaranteeing that all food deliveries meet inspection and storage standards. The role demands a commitment to safe food handling techniques, attention to detail in sanitation and documentation, and a positive attitude towards contributing to a family-oriented educational setting.

The school offers a competitive salary based on experience and a consistent weekday schedule with no nights, weekends, or major holidays, providing excellent work-life balance. Additional benefits include free meals and snacks during shifts, paid training and professional development, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, a retirement plan, and many more incentives designed to support the wellbeing and growth of its team members. This opportunity is perfect for a dedicated individual who values making a meaningful impact on children’s lives through promoting healthy nutrition and sustaining a high-quality, safe kitchen environment.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Previous experience as a cook, chef, or kitchen manager in a childcare, school, restaurant, or institutional food-service setting
  • Current Food Handlers Permit or Food Manager Certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire
  • Thorough knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation practices, and basic nutrition guidelines for young children
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted, bend, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive physical tasks
  • Reliable transportation and a valid drivers license
  • Must pass all required OKDHS background checks, fingerprinting, and childcare licensing clearances including FBI and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities
  • Positive attitude, professionalism, and a genuine passion for providing nutritious meals to children

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Previous experience as a cook, chef, or kitchen manager in a childcare, school, restaurant, or institutional food-service setting (production cooking experience strongly preferred)
  • Current Food Handlers Permit or Food Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
  • Thorough knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation practices, and basic nutrition guidelines for young children
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted, bend, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive physical tasks
  • Reliable transportation and a valid drivers license
  • Must pass all required OKDHS background checks, fingerprinting, and childcare licensing clearances (including FBI and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation)
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities
  • Positive attitude, professionalism, and a genuine passion for providing nutritious meals to children
  • Experience working in a licensed childcare or preschool environment
  • Familiarity with CACFP guidelines and documentation requirements
  • ServSafe certification
  • Previous menu planning and inventory management experience

Job Duties

  • Prepare and serve daily breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks in accordance with approved Goddard School menus, portion sizes, and CACFP nutritional guidelines, ensuring all meals are ready on time for classroom delivery
  • Plan weekly menus, accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and special meal requests while maintaining accurate documentation
  • Order food, beverages, and kitchen supplies from approved vendors
  • manage inventory levels, track usage, and operate within the established food budget to minimize waste
  • Receive, inspect, and properly store all food deliveries while maintaining the cold chain for perishable items
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen, pantry, and storage areas at all times, following a daily and weekly deep-cleaning schedule and all state and local health department regulations
  • Practice and enforce safe food handling techniques, including temperature monitoring, labeling, and record-keeping for all food production, refrigeration, and sanitation logs
  • Distribute meals and snacks to classrooms and assist with any on-site documentation required by licensing or CACFP
  • Obtain and retain manufacturers specifications or Child Nutrition Labels for all commercially prepared items
  • Collaborate with the Director(s), teachers, and parents to support childrens nutritional needs and communicate any relevant information (e.g., menu highlights or allergy alerts)
  • Attend all required Goddard School trainings, staff meetings, and food-service workshops as scheduled
  • Perform additional related duties as assigned to support the overall operation of the school

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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