Preschool Cook

Are you passionate about childhood education and helping children learn, grow, and develop while working in a fun and rewarding environment? At ELSSA, our mission is to serve families in our community. The Early Learning Shared Services Alliance (ELSSA) is a network of childcare centers and home-based childcare providers who focus on providing high quality early childhood education. We have several open teaching and administrative positions across the ELSSA schools, and we will help you find the position that is right for you. If you are passionate about the development of young children and are looking to advance your career in early childhood education, apply now for one of our preschools’ open positions or reach out to our dedicated recruiter(s) D’Andra 407-794-0487 and Alexis 689-444-5493 with any questions!

This is a position that works a flexible schedule based on programs operational hours, ideally Monday to Friday. The pay is $12 -16 per hour depending on experience and qualifications such as ServeSafe and other industry standard credentials. This position is onsite at our center located here in Orlando, FL – Orange County

The Cook oversees operations of the food program, including hygiene, meal planning, preparation, food distribution to rooms, record keeping, and all kitchen operations; ensures adherence to Child Care Food Program guidelines and all public health regulations regarding food storage and preparation.   

Why You’ll Love Working for Us:

•   Team members that serve as industry peer mentors
•   Growth Opportunities
•   Tuition reimbursement for degree in Early Childhood Education through T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship
•  Part - Time and Full- Time opportunities with Weekends Off
•   Continuing Education Assistant: Professional Development Opportunities

What You’ll Do:

•    Prepares nutritious meals and snacks for enrolled children and staff. members; prepares substitute items for children with allergies. 
•    Distributes food to the classroom; picking up all food items and supplies from the classroom when lunch is over. 
•    Practices safe food handling techniques in food preparation and storage 
•    Plans for all food and necessary supplies needed to provide food service; makes supply list on Monday for all food and supply items needed throughout the week. 
•    Removes from the freezer any food item that needs to be defrosted for use the following day. 
•    Ensures that all food is not outdated or expired and goes through cabinets, freezer, and refrigerator to throw away any outdated or expired food. 
•    Maintains verification of food and non-food purchases to meet Child Care Food Program requirements, putting all items away in a timely manner and disposing of the boxes to the dumpster. 
•    Keeps a daily meal production record following the Child Care Food Program guide. 
•    Ensures kitchen area is well maintained and cleaned.  Reports maintenance needs for major appliances to the Director. 
•    When taking food to the classrooms interact with the children in a way that conveys love and acceptance, and when responding to them speak to them using a positive tone of voice. 
•    Maintains the kitchen and supplies in working order.  Discards chipped or broken utensils, supplies and equipment as needed. 
•    Ensures food is properly labeled and dated if placed in the refrigerator or closet after opening. 
•    Maintains cleanliness of all kitchen appliances, such as the microwave, stove, oven, refrigerator, freezers, sinks, and push carts. 
•    Ensures all eating and cooking utensils are clean and properly stored after use. 
•    Ensures food proportions and type of food served are appropriate to all ages of children. 
•    Clears drains of food particles and rinses out the sink each time the dishes are done. 
•    Sweeps and mops the floor daily to get all food particles up. 
•    Attends and participates in staff meetings. 
•    Must be able to lift, push or carry up to 40-50lbs. 
•    Able to stand for more than 2 or 3 hours. 
•    Must be able to use both hands consistently every day.

What We Need from You:

•   High School Diploma and/or GED
•   Willingness to obtain FL DCF 45 hours preferred
•    FL DCF Transcript – Please send transcript to Dbrown@source2.com. You can retrieve the transcript from https://childcaretraining.myflfamilies.com/studentsite/admin/signin
•   ServSafe Certification Required
•    Must clear a level II background check
• Experience with production or commercial cooking with some childcare experience
•   CPR, First Aid, and Fire Extinguisher Certification completion within 30 days of employment
• Cheerful, enthusiastic, and engaging in the workplace
• Demonstrate empathy and patience in difficult situations
• Strong communication skills and technology use skills
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long period of time and Lift up to 35 pounds 
• Knowledge of nutritional needs of children and the required quantity and type of food edible for children (if not known willing to learn)

ELSSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We take pride in and seek diversity in our applicants.