Food Aide

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. Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture. We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.

The Food Aide is responsible for the Educare Servery. The Food Aide is responsible for ensuring that practices and procedures enforce strictly to guidelines, as set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and the Federal Head Start Performance Standards. In addition, the Food Aide will oversee the service of breakfast, lunch, and supplements, and will provide children with meals that meet recommended daily nutritional needs. Also, the Food Aide will verify food temperatures and quantity, accept and sign for food delivered by the caterer daily.

Reporting to the Child Care Food Program Coordinator, the Food Aide will be responsible to:

• 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.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. 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.
• 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.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

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

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by crafting an inclusive environment for all staff.