Childcare Center Cook for CVlearns

About the role

Children's Village of Orchards, now part of the SWLearns family, is seeking a Childcare Center Cook. The role supports early childhood education by preparing meals that meet USDA Food Program and Washington State licensing requirements, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children.

Responsibilities

• Prepare menus in compliance with USDA Food Program and WAC minimum licensing requirements.
• Handle food purchasing (procurement) for the center.
• Maintain clean and organized kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Utilize meal carts properly, taking and recording temperatures and noting allergies.
• Set up meal carts with necessary documentation and tools.
• Take and record lunch counts.
• Document menu changes on the Master Menu.
• Manage substitutions and be aware of allergy or special‑needs requirements, including inventory of special‑needs foods.
• Ensure sanitization, cleanliness, and organization comply with WAC licensing, USDA Food Program, and CVLearns policies.

Requirements

• Experience cooking for large groups of children.
• Knowledgeable and proficient with USDA requirements and the CACFP.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.

Basic Requirements

• Food Handlers Permit.
• Portable Background Check for Washington State (or willingness to obtain one).
• Proof of negative TB test.
• Proof of immunization for MMR and COVID (per state rules).

Benefits

• Free or discounted childcare available (subject to availability).
• Appreciative team culture with regular thank‑you gestures from owners to staff.
• Ongoing training opportunities.
• Retirement fund matching.

Pay

Full‑time position paying $18.50–$22.50 per hour, depending on years of experience.