Child Care Culinary Specialist at Apple Tree Kids – Hampton Roads Area, Virginia

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Child Care Director the cook will provide a safe, clean and sanitary kitchen, delivering meals as directed by the provided menu. The cook will participate in classroom ratios as well as helping Directors with ongoing tasks as assigned. Classroom/Kitchen time ratio will be approximately 25% / 75%.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepare morning snack, lunch and afternoon snacks for all classrooms
• Serve meals to each classroom on time, at the appropriate temperature
• Work with staff to collect meal numbers before food preparation of each meal
• Prepare appropriate amounts of food for each classroom, with amounts served meeting USDA guidelines
• Make weekly food orders through vendors
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, including all food storage areas
• Make sure all thermometers are working properly
• Ensure all food items are checked for expiration dates
• Wash and sanitize all dishes
• Clean the entire kitchen and appliances throughout the day
• Remove trash and recyclables daily
• Organize and put away all groceries, food orders and non-food items labeling all items without original packaging dates.
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of information pertaining to families, children, team members, administration, and Board of Directors
• Build positive relationships and communicate in a respectful manner with children, teachers, administration, and Board of Directors.

Qualifications

1. Minimum of a high school Diploma of GED.
2. Minimum age requirement of 18 years.
3. Requirements within 30 days of hire include completion of: CPR, First Aid, and Virginia Pre-service Training.
4. Positive role model with strong leadership, conflict resolution, and supervisory responsibilities of all program areas.
5. A current negative TB test and satisfactory criminal record check and Child Protective Services check are required.
6. Ability to relate effectively with diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
7. Must possess oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• The physical demand described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities.
• Is able to easily lift 50 pounds from the floor to a table.
• Is able to get up and down from a sitting position on the floor.
• Is able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with children and adults.
• Is able to see for a distance of 50 yards for safe supervision of children.
• Is able to hear for a distance of 25 yards for safe supervision of children.
• Is able to maintain composure in stressful situations.