Child Care Program Cook

Who We Are

For over 160 years, Children’s Village of Ottawa-Carleton has been an integral part of our community, supporting children, families, and caregivers through generations of change. Founded in 1864 as a home for orphaned and vulnerable children, we’ve evolved into a leader in high-quality, inclusive early learning and care. Throughout every chapter, one principle has remained constant: creating environments that feel like “the next best thing to home.” Today, as one of Ottawa’s longest-standing charities, we serve families through a network of licensed childcare centres, home childcare programs, and community-based services that reach children from infancy through school age.

If you’re looking to build your career in a place where your work means care and carries meaning today and for generations to come, you’ll find it here.

Learn more about our history.

Position Overview

As a Cook, you will manage the child care centre’s kitchen operations in full compliance with Ottawa Public Health requirements, the Child Care and Early Years Act, and all applicable regulations. You will be responsible for planning and preparing nutritious, allergy‑aware meals and snacks, as well as purchasing groceries and supplies to support daily operations. Working closely with the Program Supervisor, you will help ensure the smooth coordination of kitchen services with the needs of the centre’s programs. You will also support the broader program as needed, including working directly with children to maintain safe staffing levels and contribute to a positive and inclusive environment.

This posting reflects a current opportunity within our team. This position reports to the Program Supervisor and is based at our brand-new Elizabeth Biggars Early Learning Centre (1149 Gladstone Avenue,Ottawa, ON,K1Y 3H7).

What You’ll Do

• Plan and prepare nutritious, allergy-aware meals and snacks in accordance with the Canada Food Guide and Public Health guidelines.
• Develop, post, and adjust menus to meet the dietary needs, preferences, and restrictions of children.
• Manage kitchen operations, including purchasing groceries and supplies, monitoring inventory, and maintaining food budgets.
• Ensure all food preparation, storage, and kitchen practices comply with Ottawa Public Health, the Child Care and Early Years Act, and organizational policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment, including completing daily cleaning, sanitation, and documentation requirements.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues, supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Communicate effectively with families regarding dietary needs, allergies, and menu accommodations.
• Support program operations as needed, including assisting in classrooms and maintaining appropriate supervision practices.
• Participate in professional development, team meetings, and centre events as required.
• Uphold duty to report obligations and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
  

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Hold a Diploma in a Culinary Arts Program.
• Hold a valid Food Handlers Certificate.
  

You bring:

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a cook, preferably in a child care setting.
• Familiarity with planning and implementing menus around the Canada Food Guide and within Ottawa Public Health department guidelines.
• A commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional boundaries.
• The ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
  

You demonstrate:

• The ability to plan and prepare nutritious, allergy-aware meals and snacks.
• Effective management of kitchen operations.
• Strict adherence to health, safety, sanitation, and legislative requirements.
• Respectful, collaborative communication with children, families, and colleagues.
  

The selected candidate must hold a valid Standard First Aid & CPR ‘C’ certification, a current and satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check, and a valid Ontario Driver’s License with reliable access to a vehicle.

What We Offer

At Children’s Village of Ottawa-Carleton, we believe the quality-of-care children receive is directly connected to how supported and valued our employees feel. That’s why we’ve built a workplace culture rooted in trust, respect, collaboration, and growth. where your wellbeing matters and your contributions are recognized.

We offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support both your professional and personal life, including:

• Vacation starting at 4 weeks per year, growing to 6 weeks with tenure
• 5 paid personal leave days per year
• 18 paid sick days per year
• Health and dental benefits
• RRSP with employer matching