Child Care Food Program Coordinator

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by crafting an inclusive environment for all staff.

Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization committed to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication. Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture. We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.

The Child Care Food Program Coordinator is responsible for all food service activities at Educare Chicago. The position involves coordination and management of the nutrition food service needs of children and compliance with all administration reporting requirements. The Child Care Food Program Coordinator purchases all food and supplies vital and keeps records required by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This position involves extensive organizing, problem solving, record keeping, time management and supervision of two Food Aides.

The Child Care Food Program Coordinator will review the daily production of nutritious & child-friendly meals that meet the requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and oversight of the food program.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the catering company and Nutrition Consultant in planning meals to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are needed, with prior approval, purchases and serves food of equivalent nutritional value.
• Maintains established standards of sanitation, safety, food preparation, and storage as set by the local and state health departments.
• With the guidance of the contracted Nutritionist, modifies menus and recipes and prepares foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding requirements of children with disabilities or food allergies.
• Responsible for noting all modifications and substitutes on posted menus and for the Child & Adult Care Food Program records.
• Prepare and deliver food(s) from the kitchen to the classrooms, ready to be served as suitable for the children's age and development.
• Administer the duties with the Food Aide(s) for efficient functioning of food service programs and completes duties in the absence of Food Aide(s).
• Maintain cost control, budget and inventory systems based on CAFCP (Child & Adult Care Food Program) procedures, including records of food production, services and attendance.
• Attend and participate in school and grantee-sponsored trainings, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing educational, career and professional development opportunities.
• Complete weekly and monthly reports, inventory and monitoring for submission to CACFP and EHSN.
• Responsible for the daily approval of food delivery invoices and communication efforts with food vendors, ensuring food orders are correct and suitable for serving to the children.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience with two (2) to three (3) years of food preparation and food handling experience, two-year college degree or higher preferred.
• Food Managers Certificate required upon hire.
• Certification in child first aid and CPR (program will provide upon hire).
• Must follow DCFS requirement for Background Check and must have a positive report.
• Training in Food Service and Sanitation required.
• Cooking experience for young children (preferred)
• Knowledge of Child and Adult Food Care Program.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards to reflect local, state, and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of cafeteria management and operation.
• Thorough knowledge of kitchen basics, food handling and cooking procedures, including workplace safety procedures.
• Deep commitment to advancing diversity, racial equity, and incorporating them into interpersonal routines and practice.
• Efficiently establish and handle relationships with colleagues/clients and gain their trust and respect.
• Relief and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.
  
  

Salary:

We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, the encouraged base annual salary range for this position is $40,125.00 - $45,000.00.

The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs, and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Dedication to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months of paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by crafting an inclusive environment for all staff.