Chef

Job Summary

The Chef plans and prepares all meals and snacks for the children and staff as outlined in the BrainBite menus. Accurately follows cycle menus in accordance with program budget and state and federal nutritional requirements for children. Keeps an accurate inventory of food and supplies; orders inventory as needed. Maintains positive supportive relationships with staff, children, parents, and regulatory officials. 

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Understands and complies with Ivy Kids Brand Standards and Texas Minimum Standards.
• Understand and implement CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) and Brainbites guidelines.
• Implements the cycle menu under Ivy Kids policies, procedures, established practices, budget requirements, and the guidelines established by Texas Health and Human Services.
• Prepares nutritious meals and morning/afternoon snacks for children daily; prepares substitute items for children on restricted diets. Organizes and distributes food to the classrooms for meals and snacks including meeting the time of day meal service guidelines.
• Practices safe food handling techniques in food preparation and storage.
• Plans and purchases all food and necessary supplies needed to provide food service. Maintains verification of food and non-food purchases to meet the state's requirements
• Cook maintains and stores food at appropriate temperatures. Ensures safe use of cooking and serving utensils and kitchen equipment. 
• Serves all food at appropriate temperature and in appropriate containers with appropriate serving utensils. 
• Places food orders per program budget and keeps accurate food and kitchen supply inventory records. 
• Keeps accurate meal and snack count records, as required. Maintains all meal and menu records for appropriate periods. 
• Works with classroom staff to retrieve all kitchen items and food on time. 
• Follows all local regulatory agency requirements for health, safety, and hygiene procedures, including hand washing and food preparation.
• Washes and sanitizes dishes and cookware, using sanitizing methods determined by the program and local regulatory agencies. 
• Maintains safe and sanitary kitchen floors, counter, pantry, and storage areas. Cleans and maintains kitchen. Washes and sanitizes food service utensils, equipment, and food storage areas to standards mandated by the State of Texas Department of Human Services and CCL; and best practices with regards to food safety and sanitation.
• Understand and adhere to Ivy Kids Personnel Policies
• Ensure proper dress code at all times.
• Maintains cleanliness and follows a 4-step sanitation process and cleaning checklist.
• Is aware of children’s allergies.
• Be regular in your attendance at work.
• Communicates appropriately with potential and current families.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Maybe required to work after hours or weekends for center events, trainings, etc.

Qualifications

• Must have 3 years or more cooking experience
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be authorized to work in the United States
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license
• Has the ability to stand 95% of the workday
• Must be able to repeatedly bend and stoop to clean, store, and retrieve kitchen items. 
• Must be able to repeatedly lift large cans and bulky packages of food. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Excellent time management
• Background check required
• Food Managers Certification