From A Bright Beginning Childcare's posting. “We” and “our” refer to the employer.
Preschool Cook
A Bright Beginnings - Orange Park
Orange Park, FL
Full-Time | Early Childhood Education
About the Role
A Bright Beginnings is looking for a dependable, organized, and caring
Preschool Cook to support our children and school team in Orange Park, Florida.
Our Cook plays an important role in the health, safety, and daily experience of our children. This position is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys food preparation but also wants to work in a family-centered school environment where their work makes a difference every day.
What You'll Do
As our Preschool Cook, you will: Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to established menus and meal schedules
Follow appropriate portion sizes for children based on age and program requirements
Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food-preparation area
Follow food safety, sanitation, health, licensing, and company requirements
Maintain appropriate food temperatures and safe food-storage practices
Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products
Monitor food inventory and communicate ordering or supply needs to school leadership
Receive and appropriately store food and kitchen deliveries
Follow established procedures regarding food allergies and dietary restrictions
Work closely with school leadership and teachers regarding children's dietary needs
Prepare meals and snacks on schedule so classroom routines remain consistent
Maintain required kitchen, meal, temperature, inventory, or sanitation documentation
Clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, food-preparation surfaces, appliances, and kitchen areas
Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly
Minimize food waste while maintaining appropriate portions and quality
Maintain a kitchen environment that is prepared for applicable health, licensing, and regulatory inspections
Support the school team with other appropriate duties as needed
Food Allergies and Child Safety
Because we serve young children, attention to dietary restrictions and food allergies is extremely important.
The Preschool Cook must be able to: Follow documented allergy and dietary information carefully
Prevent cross-contact and cross-contamination
Communicate immediately when there is a question about a child's meal or dietary restriction
Never make assumptions regarding a child's food allergy or dietary need
Maintain appropriate sanitation and handwashing practices
Keep food, equipment, and potentially hazardous materials safely secured
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who is: Dependable and punctual
Organized and able to follow a daily meal schedule
Comfortable preparing food for groups of children
Knowledgeable about basic food safety and sanitation
Able to follow menus, recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary instructions
Detail-oriented, particularly regarding allergies and food restrictions
Able to maintain accurate records and documentation
Comfortable working independently while partnering with the school leadership team
Professional and positive when interacting with children, families, teachers, and coworkers
Able to maintain a clean and inspection-ready kitchen
Able to safely perform the physical responsibilities associated with food preparation and kitchen operations
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Previous cooking, food preparation, school nutrition, childcare food service, cafeteria, healthcare food service, or similar experience preferred
Previous experience preparing meals for groups is a plus
Previous experience working in a childcare, preschool, school, or child nutrition environment is strongly preferred
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, proper storage, and temperature control
Ability to follow written menus, recipes, and dietary instructions
Ability to meet all applicable Florida childcare, background screening, health, food-service, and employment requirements
Ability to complete required training and certifications associated with the position
Who Will Thrive in This Role?
You may be a great fit if you enjoy working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.
You understand that in a preschool, lunch being ready on time matters. Allergy information matters. Cleanliness matters. Portions matter. Documentation matters.
Most importantly, you understand that every meal you prepare is being served to a child whose family trusts us to keep them safe.
Why Join A Bright Beginnings?
At A Bright Beginnings, every member of the school team contributes to the experience we provide children and families.
Eligible employees may have access to medical benefits, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) options, supplemental benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, professional development, and opportunities for continued growth.
Join Our Team
If you are dependable, organized, take pride in maintaining a clean kitchen, and enjoy preparing meals that support the health and well-being of children, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to join A Bright Beginnings - Orange Park as our Preschool Cook.
About this listing
LAYIQ is an independent job-discovery service. This listing does not imply a partnership with or endorsement by the employer. Review the original posting for current details and availability.
