Nutrition Coordinator

Red Caboose is a dedicated child care service provider located in Madison, Wisconsin, committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children and their families. The organization operates with a strong emphasis on respect, dignity, and caring, while also being supportive of cultural differences, special needs, and diverse family structures. Red Caboose follows stringent guidelines and regulations, including those established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and State Licensing laws, to ensure the highest quality of care and nutrition for the children it serves. As a reputable entity in the child care industry, Red Caboose is fully represented by the Wisconsin Child Care Union, which reflects its commitment to fair employment practices and employee rights. The position of Nutritional Coordinator at Red Caboose is a vital role, integral to the health and well-being of children attending the center.

The Nutritional Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the entire nutritional operations within Red Caboose, including the planning, purchasing, preparation, and distribution of food in the kitchen. This full-time role is based in Madison, WI, and offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $17.75 to $18.45. The position works collaboratively with another Nutrition Coordinator to supervise and train assistant cooks, volunteers, and substitutes, ensuring smooth kitchen operations at all times. The person in this role must maintain impeccable standards in food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance, all while addressing the individual dietary needs of children, including cultural considerations and special diets. This includes preparing nutritious, varied meals and snacks in line with USDA and CACFP guidelines and accommodating special diets where necessary, including providing meals for children with disabilities.

In addition to food preparation, the Nutritional Coordinator is tasked with detailed record-keeping including menu planning, food purchase records, and compliance documentation. The role demands excellent organizational skills for planning weekly menus in advance and ensuring efficient use of leftovers and food supplies to stay within budgetary limits. The Nutritional Coordinator also ensures cleanliness and safety in the kitchen environment according to local health codes and Wisconsin licensing standards. The role involves physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds and requires reliable transportation to deliver food to classrooms and SAP sites.

Overall, this position requires a blend of culinary skills, management capabilities, and a compassionate approach to child care nutrition. The Nutritional Coordinator plays a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits and providing children with enjoyable, nutritious meals that cater to their unique needs and preferences. By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Nutritional Coordinator supports Red Caboose's mission to create an inclusive, respectful, and health-conscious child care environment, making it a highly fulfilling and impactful career opportunity within the child care service field.