Cook/Food Prep

About the role

Children of America (COA) serves children ages 6 weeks to 12 years through Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre‑K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp programs. Meals and snacks are prepared onsite. This part‑time Cook / Food Prep position prepares healthy, appealing meals for the children in our care.

Who you’ll interact with: Management Team, Teaching Staff

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to posted menus
• Determine meal and snack counts and distribute food to each classroom
• Remove trays and leftover food from classrooms and dispose appropriately
• Perform weekly inventory of food and supplies; submit list of needed items
• Order food and supplies from approved vendors within budget set by management
• Check‑in deliveries to ensure order accuracy
• Keep the kitchen, appliances, cabinets, and all inventory organized and clean

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Driver’s License
• PlanServSage certification
• Strong work ethic and customer‑service mindset
• Experience cooking for schools or preschools is a plus but not required (paid training provided)
• Love for children and working in an early‑childhood environment

Values

• Accountability: Take responsibility and uphold COA’s mission, values, and safety standards
• Collaboration: Work with staff and management to support children’s needs
• Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement
• Integrity: Make decisions ethically, considering their impact on children and families
• Consistency: Maintain a safe, clean, and reliable kitchen environment

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities across 65+ locations; we proudly promote from within
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life, Accident, & Disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company‑paid holidays
• 50% employee childcare discount
• Subsidized tuition program for continuing education/career advancement (up to $500 per semester)
• Annual center performance raise
• Monthly & yearly recognition programs
• Employee referral bonuses

Pay

Hourly rate: $18–21 (based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity). This role may also be eligible for performance‑based incentives and additional benefits.