Daycare Cook

**Menu Planning**: Develop nutritious and balanced menus that meet the dietary needs of children while adhering to any dietary restrictions or allergies.

**Meal Preparation**: Prepare and cook meals according to the planned menu, ensuring that all food is safe, nutritious, and age-appropriate for the children.

**Food Safety and Sanitation**: Maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene in the kitchen, including proper storage, handling, and preparation of food to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.

**Ingredient Procurement**: Order and purchase ingredients and supplies needed for meal preparation, ensuring freshness, quality, and cost-effectiveness. (Or speak with on-site supervisor)

**Allergy Awareness**: Identify and accommodate any food allergies or dietary restrictions among the children, ensuring that meals are safe and suitable for all children in the daycare.

**Portion Control**: Control portion sizes and serving sizes to ensure that children receive appropriate portions according to their age and dietary needs.

**Menu Variation**: Introduce variety into the menu to expose children to different flavors, textures, and types of food, promoting healthy eating habits.

**Communication**: Communicate with daycare staff, parents, and caregivers regarding menu changes, special dietary needs, and any concerns or feedback related to meals.

**Cleaning and Maintenance**: Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen area, including regular cleaning of equipment, utensils, and surfaces, as well as proper disposal of food waste.

**Menu Documentation**: Keep accurate records of menus, recipes, and food purchases, as well as any incidents or issues related to food safety or dietary needs.

**Professional Development**: Stay informed about current trends, guidelines, and best practices in child nutrition and food service by attending relevant training sessions or workshops. (Must obtain a food handler’s certificate)

**Collaboration**: Work collaboratively with daycare staff to promote healthy eating habits and reinforce nutrition education messages through mealtime interactions with children.

**Flexibility**: Adapt menus and meal plans as needed to accommodate special events, holidays, or cultural preferences, ensuring that meals remain enjoyable and engaging for the children.

**Positive Role Model**: Serve as a positive role model for healthy eating habits and food behaviors, engaging with children during mealtimes to encourage positive attitudes toward food and nutrition.

**Child Interaction**: Foster a positive and supportive environment during mealtimes, interacting with children in a friendly and engaging manner while promoting good manners and table etiquette.

These responsibilities ensure that the daycare chef plays a crucial role in providing nutritious meals, promoting healthy eating habits, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in the daycare.

Pay: $16.55-$19.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

**Education**:

- Secondary School (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Cooking: 1 year (preferred)

**Language**:

- English (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Food Handler Certification (preferred)
- Food Safe, SafeCheck, Food Handler or equivalent (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-05-29