Cook

Overview

The Cook reports to the Managers of Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start (‘the Managers’) and is key to maintaining the nutritional component for children enrolled in the program. This position requires an experienced cook with knowledge of the basic principles of good nutrition, proper food handling and storage techniques. The cook plans for economy in shopping and planning, preparing and serving balanced meals and snacks. This person should have good personal cleanliness habits and relate well to children.

Responsibilities of this position to be carried out in accordance of the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), local Ottawa Public Health legislation and Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start Inc. policies and procedures.

Responsibilities & Duties
- Meet nutritional needs of students using infant, toddler and preschool program requirements, the Canada Food Guide and Aboriginal Food Guide
- Purchase all food and kitchen supplies in keeping with budgetary guidelines
- Maintain tracking system of receipts for all purchases, including the use of Makonsag credit card, and reconcile expenditures on a monthly basis
- Ensure all food is fresh and used before the expiration date
- Work closely with appropriate food and equipment suppliers
- Prepare daily breakfast, lunch and snacks
- Develop nutritious and balanced menus that are posted to menu board as per CCEYA, and have available to send home with children as needed
- Collaborate with Classroom Teachers and Program Coordinator to incorporate nutrition activities into programming for children
- Prepare packed lunch and snacks for field trips during regular programming hours
- Coordinate food preparation and service for special events including board meetings, team meetings, community events and annual general meetings
- Housekeeping tasks related to the kitchen and food serving areas
- Daily cleaning includes washing and sterilization of dishes and cooking instruments, food preparation surfaces, countertops and sinks, stove, fridge, etc. and cleaning of sterilization machine
- Major kitchen cleaning done on a monthly basis, including cleaning and sterilizing cupboards, defrosting freezer, cleaning fridge and stove, doing an inventory of supplies, etc.
- Ensures food delivery cart and all accompanying trays and dispensing dishes are cleaned daily and sanitized as needed.
- Post emergency numbers, diet and allergy information on the kitchen bulletin board as per CCEYA
- Be available to help staff deal with emergencies and have comfort with any applicable training as required under the CCEYA
- Ensure that dangerous products (such as cleaners) are in locked cabinets at all times, and keys are inaccessible to children (but other staff are aware of their location)
- Review health and safety procedures and CCEYA food preparation and safety procedures annually, or more often if required by legislation
- Participate in professional development opportunities, as required
- Train and support volunteers, staff and others as requested by the ED
- Work as a team member at all times supporting the daily operation of the program
- Other duties as required

Knowledge and Skills of Employee
- Degree or diploma in culinary management program or equivalent
- Experience working in child care environment
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditions and sensitivity to the needs of Indigenous children and families
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, dedication, and commitment to children;
- Proven ability to work in a collaborative team environment and communicate openly with team members, management and families
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, Indigenous language is an asset
- Safe Food Handlers Certificate
- Standard First Aid, including infant and child CPR
- Police record check (vulnerable sector) completed in the last 6 months
- Knowledge of COVID-19 Policies in an Early Years setting;
- Immunizations up-to-date unless seeking exemption and
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccine (Dose 1 & 2).