Cook

Are you passionate about food, nutrition, and making a difference in children’s lives? Child Start is looking for a dedicated Cook to bring healthy meals and warm smiles to our Head Start 0-5 program!

In this vital role, you’ll do more than just cook—you’ll fuel learning and growth. From planning and preparing nutritious meals to supporting family-style dining in the classroom, your work will directly support the health and development of young children. You’ll work closely with our team to promote healthy eating habits, provide nutrition education to staff and families, and ensure our kitchens meet high standards of cleanliness and compliance.

If you’re organized, committed to safety and health guidelines, and ready to be a key part of a supportive, mission-driven team, we’d love to have you! Help us set the table for success—one child, one meal at a time.

• Meets and/or exceeds the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) nutritional guidelines.
• Ensures timely meal service with appropriate service items, ample portions of seconds and substitutions (as needed) for allergies.
• Posts and makes all staff aware, as needed, of participant food allergies and food substitutions.
• Maintains inventory of all food and service items, rotates stock and orders additional items as needed.
• Works with the Center Manager and Nutrition Coordinator to remain within budgeted food allowance.
• Prepares breakfast, lunch and snacks on daily basis.
• Ensures that all poisonous and toxic cleaning materials are stored away from food and in a locked cabinet.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Maintain kitchen supplies including dish soap and paper goods.

• High school diploma or general equivalency education.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, exchange information, identify and observe.
• The employee frequently is required to remain in stationary positions or move about inside or outside to be within reach of children; inspect, determine or feel objects or food; and position oneself at children’s eye level.
• Must be able to work in and around odors.
• Must be able to work with materials of intense heat or extreme cold.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects or materials up to 30 pounds.

Child Start's Classroom Aide position is $15.00 per hour.

Child Start offers competitive salary and benefits, including Medical/Dental/Vision plans, company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, 9 paid holidays each year, and much more!

Must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship.

Must be able to commute daily to El Dorado, KS. This is not a remote position.