Job Summary

Supervise kitchen operations for Early Years’s spoonFULL program. Supervise and train the Prep Cooks/Assistants , and aid in the preparation, organization and the expediting of all meals provided to the childcare centers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks for young children enrolled in childcare programs that contract with the spoonFULL program.
• Oversee and participate in kitchen operations and manage staff as they prepare and package breakfast, lunch and snacks.
• Coordinate production schedule and staffing.
• Oversee execution of recipes to assure compliance with Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Meal Patterns.
• Have full knowledge of all requirements pertaining to the preparation and documentation of special diet meals.
• Coordinate with the kitchen supervisor and Sr. Manager of spoonFULL on recipes and inventory to insure consistency and quality of product throughout the spoonFULL program.
• Maintain food inventory by ordering through Early Years’s approved food purveyors as well as shopping locally at Early Years approved grocery stores.
• Check in orders from purveyors, organize and put away all inventory in dry storage, freezer and refrigerator up to 4 days a week.
• Maintain accurate and timely records including Delivery Receipts, Participation Forms, Special Diet documentation, Time Sheets and other forms.
• Oversee and help with cleaning of the kitchen and maintenance of equipment daily to maintain an “A” sanitation rating.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with childcare centers, delivery couriers, vendors etc.
• Treat information of Early Years clients, employees or Board members in a confidential manner.
• Participate in supervisor meetings, and cross-training at all spoonFULL kitchens as needed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by agency leadership.

Special Skills

• Effective oral and written communication skills with internal and external clients
• Dexterity, precision, problem solving, and ability to work without direct supervision
• A working knowledge of MS Excel and MS Word

Education and Experience Requirements

• 4-5 years of hands-on cooking and commercial kitchen experience, i.e. following recipes, knife skills, prepping large amounts of food, use of commercial kitchen equipment and following all Dept. of Health guidelines. Kitchen management experience is preferred, but not required.
• Math and computer proficiency required
• Serv Safe accredited or the ability to become accredited within 3 months of employment
• Current TB test

Special Working Requirements

• An automobile at his/her disposal; a valid, non-suspended NC driver’s license and a current automobile liability policy with continuous coverage. Reasonable accommodations may be made at agency’s discretion.
• Must be able to manipulate and operate office supplies and equipment. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
• No substantiation or criminal conviction of child abuse or neglect
• May require need for flexible schedules, including potential evening and weekend work
• Must adhere to established health and safety protocols when onsite at Early Years’s physical locations
• Some regional/statewide/national daytime and/or overnight travel may be required

Early Years Benefits

Early Years has a generous benefits package. Permanent employees that work at least 20 hours per week are eligible for benefits. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Section 125 Cafeteria Plan
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer contribution to 401k Retirement Plan
• Paid annual and sick leave
• 15 paid days of holiday leave
• Paid child Involvement Leave
• Paid discretionary leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Child Care Tuition payments
• And more…

Early Years also offers many fringe benefits. Some of the fringe benefits include:

• Casual dress work environment
• Direct deposit
• Standing and emergency payroll advances
• Child Care Referral assistance
• And more…

Early Years has been awarded Living Wage Employer Certifications in Orange and Durham Counties, and is a Family Forward NC Certified Employer.

Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Early Years is no longer requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for employment due to the fact that there is significantly less risk of severe illness.  However, Early Years strongly recommends that employees receive this vaccination in order to minimize the risk of infections in our workplace. 

Job Features

Job Category	Exempt
Division	Business Services
Department	Nutrition Services
Salary	$41,600 ($20/hour)