Cook

Child-Parent Centers, Inc. is a community-centered organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young children and their families through comprehensive educational and nutritional programs. Based in Tucson, Arizona, the organization operates multiple Head Start centers, including the Santa Rosa Head Start location at 1065 South 10th Avenue. Head Start programs are nationally recognized for providing holistic early childhood education services that include health, nutrition, and parental involvement support. The organization strives to create a nurturing, educational environment that promotes early learning and lays the foundation for lifelong success for the children it serves. Child-Parent Centers focus on delivering high-quality care with a commitment to inclusivity, safety, and the overall wellbeing of children and families in the community.

The role of Cook at Santa Rosa Head Start is a full-time, year-round position working 40 hours per week with a salary of $15.45 per hour. This hourly, non-exempt role reports directly to the Center Director and is fundamental in supporting the nutritional needs of preschool and toddler-aged children. The Cook’s primary responsibility is preparing delicious, nutritious meals including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks following cyclical menus approved by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This position requires experience in food preparation within a kitchen environment that balances the efficiency of semi-commercial operations with a family-style meal setting in classrooms.

The Cook manages all food service activities at the center, including ordering, storage, safe food handling, sanitation, meal preparation, dishwashing, and cleaning of the kitchen. Ensuring compliance with all CACFP standards and Head Start nutritional guidelines is paramount. The role demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under time-sensitive conditions. Effective communication skills are essential to collaborate with center staff and occasionally participate in nutritional education activities for children and parents.

This position not only focuses on meal preparation but also involves inventory management, budgeting to keep food costs within prescribed limits, and maintaining the hygiene and safety standards of the kitchen environment. The Cook supports the educational mission of Child-Parent Centers by participating in nutrition-related learning experiences requested by education staff and providing nutrition information to families. There is an emphasis on building community connections, including supporting parent activities with nutritional snacks and fostering teamwork within the center.

Safety and health compliance are stringent within this role. The Cook must adhere to sanitation practices, food handling regulations, and health requirements including immunizations and clearance certificates such as the Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. The role may necessitate travel between sites within town and occasionally requires working some evenings and weekends to meet the center’s needs.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates who have a background in food service, particularly those familiar with CACFP or school lunch programs, and who have a passion for contributing to children’s nutritional wellbeing and development. Child-Parent Centers offer a supportive environment with benefits including paid leave, insurance, and retirement plans, aiming to endorse both professional growth and personal wellness for their employees.