ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Educare DC serves over 350 children from birth to five years – and their families – through our state-of-the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved due to systemic racism, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 25-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare DC draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal childcare funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.

 POSITION OVERVIEW

The Educare Lead Food Service Aide (LFSA) shares a commitment to the success of Educare DC and set high standards for food service and overall child nutrition. The LFSA is responsible for ensuring that food service is operated to comply with state and local regulations regarding the proper preparation and distribution of food. With guidance from Comprehensive Services Manager and in collaboration with Child Nutrition Services Specialist to provide nutritious meals with appropriate substitutions for children with special diets.  Performs administrative tasks in support of the food preparation process including documentation and maintenance of records. Ensure that the program follow policies and procedures that meet the CACFP guidelines, federal, and state requirements.

Responsibilities

• Comply with federal, state and local regulations regarding the preparation and distribution of food. 
• Ensure food in storage meets adequate levels of nutrition and sustenance. This includes refrigerated foods and food stored in hot holding.
• Assists in the preparation of all meals (breakfast, lunch, snack, and supper).
• Ensure that all substitution meals are prepared and delivered in a timely manner to the assigned classrooms.
• Assist in inspecting kitchen equipment and utensils for cleanliness and functional operation 
• Maintain cleanliness and proper sanitation in kitchen area including: washing dishes and all utensils used in food preparation and service; daily cleaning of counter tops, oven, stove, warmers and other kitchen surfaces; cleaning refrigerators, freezers, storage shelves, and food carts 
• Ensure that all serving supplies and other materials need for family style dining are in the classrooms.
• Maintain good parent relations and communication through a positive manner and professional image 
• Assist with the posting of all menus and essential documentation regarding food service and child nutrition
• Ensure that all substitution menus and milk substitution list are current and posted in the kitchen and classrooms.
•  Maintain an accurate inventory log for all emergency food and ensure that there is always a 3-day supply of emergency food as per OSSE CACFP guidelines.
• Report supply needs and equipment loss or damage to the Comprehensive Services Manager. 
• Responsible for maintaining all food service documents (e.g. Special Diet Menu, Inventory, Temperature Logs, Food delivery tickets) in the filing cabinet.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement nutrition activities with students.n

 Administration 

• Update resources, announcements and nutritional newsletters 
• Produce/design notices for families or other communication as directed by the Child Nutrition Services Specialist or Comprehensive Services Manager.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required by supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description 

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

• 2 years of relevant experience

• Food Handlers License; Food Protection Manager’s certification preferred. 
• Served three or more years in a food service capacity with increasing responsibility.        

• Experience in an early childhood or school environment preferred.

• Proficient with computer applications - understanding of Microsoft Outlook, word processing (Microsoft Word), and ability to learn and master other computer technology /software programs as needed. Good command of Internet usage and experience using general business office equipment.   
• Excellent verbal (including professional telephone skills) and written English communication.  
• Must have excellent communication, writing (includes grammar and punctuation), and interpersonal skills
• Reliable and able to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and exercise independent judgment in repeated and routine responsibilities and accomplish assignments in a timely manner.
• Organized with attention to details.  
• Ability to work in a team environment and communicate appropriately with a diverse staff and external constituents.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure
• Ability to provide support when requested
• Ability to work flexible hours

• Provides departmental support to the department manager to maintain seamless operations of the department.
• Assist with maintaining records associated with the department and communication amongst several department.
• Assists in preparation of department needs, supplies, clerical and administrative tasks.
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EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 

• High School or 2 years of comparable experience.

 ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Clearance of background check as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
• Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
• A drug screen and bi-annual TB tests are required as a condition of continual employment.
• Full Covid-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment.  

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must be able to manually operate a computer and all office equipment including but not limited to multiple phone lines, fax, and copiers  
• Must be able to bend to access files and materials at floor level and use a stool to reach materials on high shelving.
• Must be able to move around the kitchen and use food service equipment.
• Finger dexterity sufficient for typing, filing, handling documents, and other Food Service equipment 
• Must be able to clearly hear and understand telephone conversations 
• Must be able to speak, read, and write in fluent English
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at a time and have sufficient upper body strength to push a wheeled cart with hospitality items (food, beverages and other food service materials)