Childcare Center Cook - Bilingual English/Spanish

About Tierra Encantada

Tierra Encantada, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, is the leader in Spanish immersion early education®, providing high-quality language immersion education and care to children 6 weeks through 6 years of age. We believe the earliest years should open a world of possibilities. As the Leader in Spanish Immersion Early Education®, we nurture the whole child through joyful play-based learning and a globally inspired culinary program featuring wholesome meals prepared from scratch each day. By fostering curiosity, confidence, cultural understanding, and healthy habits, we prepare children for a lifetime of learning while creating warm, engaging environments that families trust. Join us and be part of a mission-driven team committed to making a lasting impact—one child, one family, and one community at a time.

Pay and Schedule

This is a full-time or part-time nonexempt position that typically works Monday-Friday from 7am to 4pm. The starting pay for this role is between $19.13 and $22.00 per hour depending on education, experience, and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Prepare daily meals for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years using approved recipes and menus, adhering to food handling and safety standards.
• Oversee and manage kitchen staff, providing guidance, support, and ensuring all team members adhere to food safety and operational standards.
• Stay well-trained in allergens and adjust meals as needed for children with special dietary needs, ensuring compliance with dietary accommodations.
• Be accountable for inventory management, including handling orders, tracking supplies, minimizing waste, and maintaining accurate record-keeping.
• Ensure adherence to the established meal program, including portion sizes, nutritional guidelines, and compliance with any applicable regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, adhering to local health codes and industry standards.
• Oversee general food operations, including meal preparation, cleanup, and dishwashing, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Support center staff by covering classroom breaks, ensuring smooth daily operations, and maintaining the cleanliness of the center.
• Collaborate effectively with HQ teams, ensuring strong two-way communication.
• Maintain certifications and take annual trainings on allergens and food safety.
• Maintain a positive, friendly attitude with families, and be a "team-mate" to parents in supporting their child's growth.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Three or more years of cooking experience in a restaurant, hotel, hospital, childcare, or other high-volume or institutional setting.
• Basic knowledge of USDA guidelines and food preparation.
• Certified Food Protection Manager certification strongly desired.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred; must be able to speak Spanish.
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with families and co-workers.
• Provide a certificate of completion of an approved pediatric first aid and CPR training within 90 days of hire. Employees are responsible for renewing and maintaining a valid, current CPR and pediatric first aid certification at all times.
• Must have a respect for diversity and recognize that diversity makes our program better.
• Must have the ability to fulfill annual training requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Requires the ability to frequently walk, stand, climb stairs, crawl, sit, squat, stoop, bend, reach, kneel, rise from the floor, and twist.
• Requires the ability to carry and lift 25 pounds or less, use repetitive or fine hand movements, and occasionally push, pull, run short distances, and carry and lift 25-50 pounds.
• Requires excellent long-distance and near vision to monitor children's activities both indoors and outdoors in various light conditions, as well as hearing capabilities to respond to children's needs and maintain safety in a moderately noisy environment.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• Generous PTO package
• 401(k) with employer match
• Performance bonus
• Discounted childcare and waitlist priority for enrollment
• Company-paid professional development

Once a job offer has been accepted, the candidate must pass a background check and fingerprinting. Tierra Encantada is an E-verify employer.