Job Purpose
We are seeking a dedicated, energetic, and highly organized Daycare Cook to join our team. In this role, you will manage our kitchen operations, planning and preparing nutritious, age-appropriate meals for approximately 98 children daily. You will play a vital role in our children's growth by fostering healthy eating habits while maintaining an exceptionally safe, clean, and licensed environment.
Key Responsibilities
High-Volume Food Preparation
- Menu Planning: Design nutritious weekly rotating menus that meet Canada Food Guide guidelines for a large group.
- Batch Cooking: Prepare breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks from scratch daily, scaling recipes accurately for 98 children plus staff.
- Allergy Management: Review classroom allergy lists meticulously; safely substitute ingredients to accommodate severe food allergies, intolerances, and cultural diets.
- Texture Modification: Safely chop, dice, or puree foods to meet the specific developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Grocery Shopping & Inventory
- Inventory and ordering: Responsible for managing stock needs, and placing accurate, timely orders with suppliers to ensure a fully stocked kitchen.
- Budget Management: Plan meals and shop economically to keep food costs strictly within the centre's allocated budget.
- Delivery Check: Inspect incoming food deliveries for freshness and accuracy against invoices.
Kitchen Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
- Cleanliness: Wash, sanitize, and maintain all dishes, utensils, cooking equipment, and food prep surfaces continuously.
- Health Standards: Enforce and exceed all local public health department regulations and daycare licensing requirements.
- Log Keeping: Monitor and record daily temperatures for refrigerators, freezers, sanitizing machine, and cooked foods.
- Inventory Control: Use the First In, First Out (FIFO) method to rotate stock, check expiry dates, and minimize food waste.
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
- Certification: Valid Food Handler Certificate (or equivalent local public health credential).
- Valid Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C).
- Clearances: Ability to pass a mandatory Vulnerable Sector Screening.
- Health Status: Up-to-date immunization record
- Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience cooking for large groups (e.g., daycares, schools, camps, or care facilities).
Preferred Assets:
- Educational background in culinary arts, nutrition, or early childhood dietary planning.
- A warm, friendly demeanor with a genuine love for working in an environment surrounded by children.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift.
- Capability to safely lift grocery boxes, milk crates, or large pots weighing up to 30–40 lbs.
Pay: $19.00-$22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
