Job Details

The Cook Assistant/Float at the Early Learning Center (ELC) is responsible for preparing and cleaning up the meals for children at the ELC or float coverage for a classroom who needs additional assistance as assigned by the designee in charge of the ELC at the operational time. The ELC services children of varying abilities, including children who may have developmental delays, and challenging behaviors as well as typically developing children through learning opportunities. The Cook Assistant/Float also ensures compliance with the Missouri Child Care Licensing requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Plan, prepare, and serve meals and snacks based on the menu plan and in compliance with Health and Food sanitation and safety standards.
2. Plan meal replacement alternatives for children with allergies or special dietary needs.
3. Ensure that all meal service equipment, including fridges, freezers, ovens, mixers, pans, etc., are always in good working order, and report concerns to the director.
4. Assist with maintaining sanitation procedures.
5. Organize, stock, and distribute food, food supplies, and cleaning supplies as needed for the center to meet the needs of the program.
6. Maintain records required for meal delivery and service.
7. Assisting staff members with food and cooking experiences that they may wish to plan for children.
8. Build positive trusting relationships with children, families, colleagues, and community representatives to support children and families.
9. Continue to learn about children, families, and the field of early childhood education, including participating in training, expanding skills and knowledge, and learning new techniques and approaches.
10. Maintaining professional standards and being ethical, for example, including maintaining confidentiality of children and families, following operational policies and procedures, and supporting a positive team interaction with all.
11. Assist in the classroom in the absence of the teacher or teacher assistant as needed to meet program needs.

Additional Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Supervision of volunteers, visitors, assistants, and children as program needs
• Understanding and being flexible in all areas to meet program needs
• Attend all staff meetings and recommended training programs including CPR/First Aid, Safe Sleep, Health and Safety
• Submit all required documentation by required deadlines
• Resourceful in accomplishing tasks and directives, and use common sense
• Be a model or guide for children in everything that you do
• Helping with general housekeeping tasks
• Other duties as assigned to accomplish Agency goals. This could be under unusual or emergency circumstances

MINIMUM REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Commitment to providing quality services
• Have a positive attitude while demonstrating dependability, promptness, and responsibility
• Demonstrate positive team interaction skills
• Approaches others in a tactful manner, treats others with respect, accepts responsibility, and follows through on commitments
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, also required to bend, twist, stoop, and kneel on a repeated base required for care of individuals for performing essential functions of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalency required
• Ability to pass a background and drug screening
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Driver's License and vehicle insurance preferred
• Experience as a Cook