Overview
Child Care Center Cook Jobs in Annandale, VA at ACCA Child Development Center
Join our award-winning early childhood education center team as a Cook dedicated to nourishing young minds and bodies! In this vital role at our non-profit organization, you will be part of the team that preps, cooks, and serves nutritious, appealing meals and snacks that meet USDA dietary guidelines and support the healthy development of young children. We are seeking a reliable, committed, and caring professional with a passion for food and a commitment to health and safety to create a positive, delightful mealtime experience Monday through Friday during the daytime shift. Because we serve a diverse community, fluency in both English and Spanish is required to effectively collaborate with our staff, families, and children. Bring your culinary expertise to a rewarding environment where your work truly matters, and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that begins after a successful three-month trial period.
Duties
- Meal Production: Prepare and cook a variety of nutritious meals and snacks tailored to children’s dietary needs, following approved menus and recipes.
- Menu Planning: Plan menus that incorporate balanced, child-friendly options while adhering to USDA dietary guidelines and nutritional standards.
- Culinary Tasks: Handle food preparation tasks including chopping, mixing, poaching, braising, grilling, and food production to ensure high-quality dishes.
- Equipment Operation: Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, including ovens, mixers, food processors, and sanitizing tools.
- Food Safety: Maintain strict food safety protocols by following sanitizing procedures, proper food handling practices, and ensuring cleanliness in all kitchen areas.
- Volume Management: Manage high-volume food production with precision to serve multiple children promptly without compromising quality or safety.
- Operations Support: Support dietary department operations by assisting with inventory management, ordering supplies, and ensuring compliance with local health regulations.
Requirements
- Language: Full conversational fluency in both English and Spanish is required.
- Experience: Previous experience as a cook at a school, childcare center, restaurant, or catering environment is highly desirable.
- Culinary Skills: Strong culinary skills including knife techniques, recipe adherence, and experience with various cooking methods like grilling, braising, and poaching.
- Safety Knowledge: Deep knowledge of food safety management practices and sanitizing procedures essential for maintaining a clean kitchen environment.
- Background Check & Credentials: Virginia state licensing for childcare centers strictly requires a successful criminal background check and a valid Food Handler Certification. Candidates must meet these requirements prior to their official start date.
- Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 60 pounds (for bulk supply deliveries and heavy kitchen equipment) and stand for extended periods.
- Soft Skills: Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a team-oriented attitude.
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Child Care Center Cook
Company: ACCA Child Development Center
Location: Annandale, VA
Category: