Food Aide

The Role

Educare Chicago provides high-quality care, best-in-class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old on Chicago’s South Side. As a program that serves low-income families, Educare’s research-based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Check and verify catered meals and milk quantity daily to assure an appropriate supply.
• Take and record food temperatures upon arrival to ensure food safety compliance.
• Report any temperature discrepancies or unsafe food conditions to a supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate personal hygiene rules per regulations.
• Ensure Educare servery follows all USDA, City of Chicago, and State of Illinois licensing requirements.
• Maintain inventory and order of all food service supplies as necessary. Ensure that all food is stored appropriately in refrigerators, cabinets, etc.
• Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing, and Start Early’s philosophy, curriculum, and Standards of Conduct.
• Use universal health precautions as outlined in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing standards for childcare centers.
• Prepare and portion meals according to daily menus and serving guidelines.
• Provide mealtime table set-up for “family-style” meal service.
• Distribute meals and snacks to classrooms in a timely manner.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of food prep and staging areas.
• Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, utensils, carts, and kitchen equipment.
• Maintains confidentiality under Start Early’s policies and procedures.
• Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and training, and reflective supervision.
• Ensure no child is left unattended and implement Active Supervision Strategies.
• Maintain required certifications.

Requirements

• A High School Diploma or G.E.D. is required.
• The City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required.
• One year of experience in a food service environment.
• Ability to track and monitor food information.
• Ability to communicate optimally and function well with staff and parents.
• Ability to work collaboratively and as an encouraging team member.
• Must have good verbal and written skills.
• Must know the Illinois Food and Sanitation requirements and the State and City licensing standards.
• Must be familiar with Head Start Performance Standards.

Qualifications

• Deep commitment to advancing diversity and incorporating it into interpersonal routines and practice.
• Efficiently establish and handle relationships with colleagues/clients and gain their trust and respect.
• Relief and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Illinois Food and Sanitation requirements and State and City licensing standards.
• Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Plans
• Dedication to Diversity & Inclusion
• Holistic Wellness Program
• Professional Development Program
• 401k Contribution
• Paid Volunteer Days
• 6 months of paid parental leave

Pay

$31,700.00 - $39,000.00 / $16.25/hr - $20.00/hr

Schedule

N/A