Job Description
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the Child Care Director's guidance, the Child Care Cook oversees daily operations in a commercial-grade kitchen for a child care program, ensuring compliance with Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, aligning with YMCA standards.
This role involves treating everyone with respect, integrity, and courtesy; communicating clearly and pleasantly; embracing diversity; being eager to learn and grow; accepting constructive feedback; and working well in a team. This position ensures the YMCA's mission, purpose, image, and core values are consistently upheld.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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Ensuring the safety and well-being of children at all times by properly supervising them, while implementing emergency procedures and risk management at all times.
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Interact positively with children daily, upholding YMCA core values.
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Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, setup, and cleanup, such as daily washing and sanitizing of dishes, countertops, stove, cupboard doors, and refrigerator exterior.
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Ensure efficient food service routines in the kitchen and classrooms. Monitor and upkeep all kitchen equipment to ensure it operates correctly.
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Develop menus in accordance with CACFP guidelines and ensure compliance with CACFP regulations.
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Maintain daily meal count and food production records for CACFP.
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Demonstrate quality standards in Character Development at all times.
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Be professional, alert and eliminate unsafe practices and physical hazards.
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Carry out additional assignments and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
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Following and enforcing all YMCA childcare policies and procedures related to health and safety. Administering basic first aid if necessary and reporting any accidents or injuries.
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Demonstrate effective communication with supervisors, staff, students, and parents.
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Keep the program area tidy and ensure supplies, equipment, and materials are of high quality. Perform light maintenance tasks such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning tables and chairs, and taking out the trash.
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Complete all YMCA-required training, attend mandatory meetings, and document children's attendance and incidents per state requirements.
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Participating in training and professional development opportunities to stay updated with CACFP best practices in early childhood education.
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Collaborating with colleagues to share ideas and strategies for improving the childcare program.
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Be ready to assist in classrooms as needed. Ensure the program is running according to the established daily schedule and structure.
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Work collaboratively with child care staff, maintaining professionalism, alertness, and eliminating unsafe practices.
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Complete additional assignments and responsibilities as directed by the supervisor and/or CEO.
BENEFITS:
- COMPLIMENTARY YMCA Membership
- Program/Child Care Discounts
- Flexible Schedule
- Retirement Plan Options
The YMCA is an equal opportunity employment company. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, or arrest record. As an employer, we will try to reasonably accommodate employees with religious beliefs.