Head Start Cook

Friends of Children and Families (FOCAF) is a dedicated non-profit organization serving the communities of Ada and Elmore Counties. Specializing in early childhood education and family engagement, FOCAF focuses on providing essential support and services to pre-school children and their families, ensuring a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. As a mission-driven entity, FOCAF empowers children and families by offering high-quality programs that promote health, nutrition, education, and family involvement within the community. The organization is committed to fostering a positive impact by adhering to standards established by federal and local agencies, including the Head Start program, the District Health Department, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Head Start Cook role at FOCAF is a vital position responsible for preparing nutritious meals for Head Start participants in alignment with established nutritional guidelines to support children’s growth and development. This role requires adherence to all health and safety regulations governed by Head Start, USDA, and district policies. The cook collaborates closely with the Health and Safety Manager to follow approved menus and modifies them as needed based on food availability and supplies. Beyond meal preparation, the cook maintains sanitation in the kitchen, manages meal counts and reporting using modern digital tools, and ensures that dietary needs of children, including special diets and allergies, are strictly observed to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

This position offers up to 40 hours of work per week with a competitive hourly wage ranging from $18.00 to $19.50. It is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about nutrition, community service, and child development, working within a supportive and mission-driven non-profit setting. Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes low cost medical and vision insurance, free dental insurance, short-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% match after one year of employment. Paid leaves including sick, personal, bereavement, and generous paid time off are also provided. FOCAF is proud to be a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, offering additional support to employees seeking loan forgiveness for their dedication to public service.

In this role, the Head Start Cook will operate kitchen appliances such as food processors, dishwashers, can openers, stoves, and mixers to efficiently prepare meals. Training and supervision of the Cook’s Assistant and collaboration with center staff to provide nutrition information to program participants, families, and staff is part of the job's scope. Critical thinking and continuous professional development are emphasized to ensure best practices, safety, and regulatory compliance are consistently met. Regular reporting and communication regarding work progress and challenges play an essential part in improving program delivery and kitchen operations. The role requires a dependable, proactive individual who demonstrates commitment to personal growth and organizational excellence through engagement, feedback, and training opportunities.