Culinary Professional for Preschool

Kids by the Sea is a nurturing preschool dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young children in a safe, joyful environment. The preschool emphasizes a warm and inclusive community where educators, families, and staff collaborate to create meaningful educational experiences. Located in a welcoming setting, Kids by the Sea values the health and well-being of the children it serves, including their nutritional needs during the school day. Known for its commitment to providing excellent care and education, Kids by the Sea is embarking on expanding its meal service with a new lunch program designed to offer healthy, delicious food to its young attendees and teachers.

The role of Culinary Professional at Kids by the Sea is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual with a strong culinary background who is eager to contribute to the preschool's mission by leading lunch meal preparation. This role involves preparing and cooking meals from established recipes and adhering to strict quality and safety standards. The Culinary Professional will work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, ensuring that food preparation is timely and that meals are nutritious, fresh, and appealing to children and staff alike. Applicants should be dedicated to maintaining an organized and sanitized kitchen, possessing both culinary expertise and an appreciation for working with young children.

This position is part-time, involving 4 to 6 hours per day with morning and early afternoon shifts during weekdays only while the preschool is in session. The pay range offered is competitive, between $25 and $30 per hour, depending on experience. The preschool also provides a comprehensive onboarding process, including two weeks of paid training before the full lunch program launch. Candidates who join will have the opportunity to grow and develop their skills within a collaborative team committed to the well-being of the children and the success of the lunch program.

The ideal candidate will have at least four years of experience in professional kitchens, either as a line cook, chef, or similar role, accompanied by a culinary degree or relevant certification preferred. A strong knowledge of food safety regulations such as HACCP, ServSafe, or comparable certifications is essential. The candidate must demonstrate excellent organizational and communication skills, the ability to work efficiently and maintain a clean kitchen environment, and flexibility to meet the needs of the preschool schedule. Physical stamina is also required since the role involves standing for extended periods and handling moderate lifting.

In addition to cooking duties, the Culinary Professional will assist with inventory management, collaborate with preschool staff to promote smooth service, and communicate with families and children. Their role is vital in ensuring that the meal service supports the overall educational experience by providing wholesome food that meets the high standards of Kids by the Sea. This is more than just a cooking job; it is a chance to be part of a community dedicated to young learners and their families, where food plays an important role in health and happiness.