Preschool Cook

Written By Brandon Downs

Preschool Cook Job Description

Cooks employed at Outlook Christian Church Preschool are ultimately responsible for maintaining full oversight over the food program in all its various aspects. Cooks work under general supervision of the director while ensuring compliance with all existing public-health regulations and child-care food guidelines.

Skills needed:

Basic mathematic skills and accurate record keeping, ability to work safely around stoves and equipment and possibly some chemicals while having the physical endurance to spend many hours standing, walking and lifting heavy objects.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • meal preparation, hygiene, food distribution to classrooms, and sanitation

  • creating and maintaining all food-related purchasing and inventory records

  • work in a cooperative manner with other staff members, students, and parents

  • develop menu changes through collaboration with director

  • provide substitute meals for children with special dietary requirements

  • maintaining cleanliness in both the kitchen and storage areas

    • this includes — ovens, sinks, pantries, and refrigerators being sanitized regularly

  • supervise support kitchen staff in making sure their responsibilities get done daily by a checklist

Daily Working Conditions/Possible hazards 

  • Prepare recipes, slice vegetables, and work over hot stoves. The mishandling of cooking utensils, knives and machinery can result in severe burns or injury. 

  • Cooking here requires transition between the MAIN kitchen and WARMING kitchen. Additional equipment is provided for this. (Carts, steam table, and portable warming oven.)

  • Additionally, food-preparation areas pose hazards due to slippery floors, moving objects and uneven surfaces. 

  • Wear closed toes shoes while in either kitchen.

Personal Attributes

The staff member must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of the Day Care Worker.

The staff member must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

  • Be respectful

  • Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity

  • Be flexible

  • Demonstrate sound work ethics (punctuality and responsibility)

  • Be consistent and fair

  • Be compassionate, understanding, and willing to compromise

  • Be able to build esteem in others as well as yourself

  • Monitor your personal/sick/vacation hours as best you can as per your paystub through Paycor

  • Try to see things positively or as a learning opportunity

  • Be able to lift/handle up to 50 lbs

Brandon Downs