Childcare Kitchen Manager

Abigail?s Learning Centre

Type of Employment: Hourly Position Reports To: Manager ? Children?s Program

*Wage: $21.66/hr *Working shift is 8 am to 4 pm with 30min unpaid lunch

Position Overview

We are seeking a reliable, organized, and caring Childcare Cook to join our team in a licensed child care setting. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining a safe, clean, and sanitary kitchen environment.

This role requires knowledge of Health Canada guidelines, Ministry of Education Nutritious Food Guidelines, and Ministry of Health Food Premise Regulations. The ideal candidate enjoys working in a child and family-oriented environment and is committed to supporting the health and well-being of children through safe and nutritious food practices.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Kitchen Operations

• Prepare healthy meals and snacks using safe food handling practices
• Plan and rotate menus that include a variety of nutritious and appealing foods
• Purchase groceries and maintain food inventory
• Ensure all dietary restrictions and allergies are safely accommodated
• Maintain daily temperature and sanitation logs
• Wash, sanitize, and organize dishes and food preparation areas
• Ensure food storage areas remain clean, safe, and organized
• Remove garbage and maintain kitchen cleanliness, including sweeping and mopping floors

Weekly & Monthly Duties

• Prepare grocery lists and complete grocery shopping
• Conduct inventory checks and maintain adequate food supplies
• Clean cupboards, refrigerators, counters, stoves, and freezers as required
• Review and modify menus to remain compliant with child care nutrition standards
• Defrost and clean freezers according to health regulations

Health & Safety

• Maintain a clean, hazard-free, and sanitary kitchen
• Follow all Health Department standards and Food Premise Regulations
• Ensure cleaning products and hazardous materials are properly stored
• Monitor and prevent allergen cross-contamination
• Report maintenance or equipment concerns to management promptly

Professional Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, children, and families
• Attend staff meetings and participate in ongoing professional development
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and strong communication skills
• Support the overall day-to-day operations of the Centre, including answering telephones and relaying messages when required

Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• Current Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Current immunizations required for employment in child care
• Valid driver?s licence and reliable transportation
• Current Safe Food Handling Certification
• Knowledge of Ministry of Health Food Premise Regulations
• Minimum 6 months experience purchasing food and preparing meals

Skills & Abilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to adapt menus for various dietary needs
• Knowledge of proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures
• Ability to maintain accurate kitchen logs and records
• Consistent modeling of safe kitchen routines and practices
• Ability to work cooperatively in a busy kitchen environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 lbs and carry food bins up and down stairs
• Ability to bend, lift, and perform physical kitchen duties regularly
• Genuine interest in working within a child, parent, and family-focused environment

Working Conditions

This position involves:

• Exposure to frequent childhood illness
• Exposure to cleaning and sanitizing products
• Frequent lifting, bending, and standing
• Exposure to kitchen heat and daily noise levels
• Wear and tear on personal clothing

Interactions

Daily interact