Head Cook

Position Overview

The cook is responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen at KIDS Place, providing nutritious meals and snacks for KIDS place children, staff, and any additional church requests. This position includes overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, assisting with meal planning, and maintaining a welcoming environment. The cook will also prepare and maintain all sanitization solutions for each classroom, help with food delivery, and assist in coverage in extreme circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

• Facility Housekeeping: Open classrooms by unlocking doors, turning on lights, preparing and providing sanitation solution for each room. Take wood locks off doors by daycare entrance
• Kitchen Maintenance & Meal Preparation: Open the kitchen, prepare daily meals and snacks for daycare children, staff, and any church requests, including breakfast, lunch, and two snacks. Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen so that it remains functional and within code for the board of health and state daycare guidelines. This includes washing and sanitation of any utilized dishes for cooking and eating.
• Menu Collaboration: Assist in planning a balanced, varied menu in compliance with nutritional guidelines for children ages 0-5. Ensure meals are age-appropriate and address dietary restrictions.
• Food Delivery & Inventory Management: Receive and organize food deliveries, check for freshness and quality, and manage inventory to ensure adequate supplies and minimize waste.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Follow and uphold ServSafe and state food safety requirements, ensuring kitchen and food storage areas meet all daycare health and safety standards.
• Professionalism & Child Interaction: Exhibit a friendly, professional work ethic Be comfortable around children ages 0-5 and communicate respectfully with staff, parents, and children.
• Training Participation: Attend and actively participate in any training sessions relevant to the functions of a childcare program, including food safety, hygiene, and emergency protocols.
• Additional Supporting Tasks: Assist with any other tasks requested by the Director, including classroom coverage for breaks or staff changes (in limited capacity during las resort situations).
  
  

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary training is preferred.
• Experience in food preparation, ideally in a childcare or similar institutional setting.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation, with current ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Familiarity with Indiana daycare kitchen regulations or willingness to train on them.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail.
• Friendly and approachable demeanor, with a comfort level around young children.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with daycare staff.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, standing, sitting on the floor, and walking to engage with children and ensure a safe environment.
• Capacity to work in a lively, fast-paced environment.