Head Start Cook

Friends of Children and Families (FOCAF) is a reputable non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of preschool children and their families within Ada and Elmore Counties. Established with a mission-based approach, FOCAF emphasizes the empowerment of children and families through quality early childhood education and active family engagement. By addressing the unique challenges of the community, FOCAF has been pivotal in fostering healthy development and lifelong learning among young children. The organization’s commitment to creating a positive and supportive learning environment has earned it recognition as a valued resource within the local community, with a vision centered on nurturing the foundational years of childhood through inclusive and accessible programming.

The position of Head Start Cook at FOCAF offers a vital role within this mission-driven organization, ensuring that participating children receive nutritious, well-balanced meals that comply with federal and state dietary guidelines. This role is often regarded as a cornerstone in maintaining the health and well-being of the Head Start program’s young participants. The employment opportunity provides an hourly wage ranging from $18.00 to $19.50, with hours that may extend up to 40 per week, offering a stable work schedule and competitive compensation for the candidate.

As the Head Start Cook, the successful applicant will be responsible for preparing meals in strict adherence to menus designed by the Health and Safety Manager while ensuring compliance with Head Start, District Health Department, USDA, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. This accountability requires a keen attention to detail in food preparation, kitchen sanitation, and dietary reporting. The Head Start Cook will engage in daily operational tasks including maintaining sanitary kitchen and storage areas, conducting precise meal counts, and generating regular reports on food preparation and service. This role extends beyond meal preparation to active collaboration with program staff and families, delivering nutrition education and ensuring food safety, particularly for children with special dietary requirements or allergies.

The job demands critical thinking to maintain a safe kitchen environment and requires operating various kitchen appliances efficiently. Importantly, the Cook will provide leadership by training and guiding assistants or assigned kitchen staff to uphold operational standards. There is a strong emphasis on professional growth, with opportunities to participate in ongoing training to stay attuned to best practices and new developments in childcare nutrition and safety standards. FOCAF values collaborative communication, encouraging the Cook to engage in open feedback mechanisms with supervisors and coworkers, fostering an environment of continuous improvement.

The organization offers comprehensive benefits that enhance job satisfaction and employee well-being. These include low-cost medical and vision insurance plans, complimentary dental coverage, short-term disability benefits, an employee assistance program, and life insurance. FOCAF also supports financial security through a matching 401(k) program after one year of employment. Employees benefit from paid sick, personal, and bereavement leave along with generous paid time off, reinforcing FOCAF's commitment to work-life balance. Notably, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, FOCAF qualifies as a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer, providing additional financial advantage for eligible employees.

Overall, the Head Start Cook position at Friends of Children and Families is an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about making a significant impact on early childhood health and education within a supportive community framework. It combines the stability of a government-regulated environment with the meaningful purpose of supporting children’s nourishment and growth, underscoring FOCAF’s pledge to build stronger families from the ground up.