Daycare Cook

Location: Westport, ON

Start Date: Immediate

Schedule: Monday–Friday (daytime hours)

Hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm, Mon-Fri

Westport Daycare is a licensed early learning centre committed to providing high-quality, safe, and nutritious meals for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We are seeking a dedicated Daycare Cook who is passionate about food safety, children's nutrition, and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment.

About the Role

The Daycare Cook is responsible for preparing and serving healthy meals and snacks in compliance with Canada's Food Guide, our approved seasonal menu, and all allergy/dietary accommodation requirements. This position plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, nutritious food program for the children in our care.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Menu Compliance

• Prepare and serve meals/snacks following Canada's Food Guide and the approved seasonal menu.
• Ensure all meals are age-appropriate, culturally inclusive, allergen-safe, and meet dietary needs.
• Post and maintain current menus, allergy lists, and dietary accommodations.

Allergy & Dietary Accommodation

• Follow individualized plans for allergies, medical diets, and cultural/religious food requirements.
• Prevent cross-contamination using dedicated tools, prep zones, labels, and proper storage.

Food Safety, Storage & Sanitation

• Receive and inspect food deliveries; check temperatures, condition, and supplier details.
• Follow proper storage, FIFO rotation, labeling, and safe temperature controls.
• Maintain daily logs for fridge/freezer temps, hot/cold holding, and dishwashing systems.
• Calibrate and document thermometer accuracy.
• Carry out all cleaning and sanitation tasks using approved products and safe procedures.
• Keep the kitchen pest-free and report issues immediately.

Record Keeping

Maintain a comprehensive Food Service Binder including:

• Daily temperature logs
• Cleaning/sanitation records
• Delivery logs
• Allergy accommodation documentation
• Menu substitutions
• SDS sheets, inspection reports, and corrective action logs

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with educators for mealtime routines, special events, and field trip food safety.
• Communicate professionally with staff, families (as appropriate), inspectors, and suppliers.
• Support program staff on the floor when scheduled (counted in ratio only during program time).

Compliance & Training

• Cooperate with Public Health and Ministry inspections.
• Follow all illness exclusion guidelines and notify Director if illness affects food handling.
• Complete required annual training (WHMIS, Anaphylaxis, Fire Safety, etc.).

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide occasional support as an Educator to help cover classroom breaks when needed.
• When supporting in classrooms, the cook may be counted in staff-to-child ratios only while performing educator duties on the program floor.

Qualifications

Required:

• Valid Food Handler Certification
• Valid Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
• Standard First Aid & Infant/Child CPR Level C
• Strong knowledge of food safety and allergy controls
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced childcare environment

Assets:

• Experience cooking in childcare, school, hospital, or commercial kitchen settings
• Familiarity with CCEYA requirements and Public Health standards for childcare food programs

Why Join Us?

• Supportive team environment
• Steady Monday–Friday daytime hours
• Make a meaningful impact on children's health and nutrition
• Opportunities for training and growth

How to Apply

Please submit your resume through Indeed.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Westport, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):

• Food Handlers Certification

Work Location: In person