Child Care Dietary Aide (Cook)

First Place Early Learning Centre Inc.

Location: 7 Curtis Street, St. Thomas, Ontario

Position: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Wage: $23.00–$24.00 per hour

Estimated Start Date: December 2026

Join Our Team!

First Place Early Learning Centre Inc. is seeking a passionate, organized, and dependable Child Care Dietary Planner (Cook) to join our team!

As our Dietary Planner, you will play an important role in supporting the health and well-being of children by planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks in a safe, welcoming, and organized kitchen environment. Working collaboratively with educators, families, and the centre team, you will help ensure every child receives meals that support their growth, development, and individual dietary needs.

If you enjoy preparing healthy meals, working as part of a collaborative team, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, we would love to hear from you!

What You'll Do

- Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
- Develop menus that meet Canada's Food Guide recommendations and children's nutritional needs.
- Accommodate food allergies, anaphylaxis, medical dietary needs, cultural preferences, and religious dietary requirements.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
- Ensure food is safely prepared, stored, and served in accordance with Public Health requirements and food safety standards.
- Order food and kitchen supplies while maintaining inventory and managing the approved budget.
- Complete required food temperature logs, cleaning records, and kitchen documentation.
- Monitor food quality, freshness, and inventory using First In, First Out (FIFO) practices.




- Work collaboratively with educators, families, and the Dietary Planner Assistant to support children's health and well-being.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional learning opportunities, and centre initiatives.
- Support the mission, vision, and core values of First Place Early Learning Centre Inc.

Qualifications

Applicants must have

- Valid Food Handler Certification recognized by the local Public Health Unit.
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification.
- Current Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the employer (issued within six months prior to employment).
- Up-to-date immunization documentation as required.
- Minimum 18 years of age.
- Legal authorization to work in Canada.

The following are considered assets:
- Experience preparing meals in a child care, school, institutional, or commercial kitchen.
- Knowledge of Canada's Food Guide and child nutrition requirements.
- Knowledge of food allergies, anaphylaxis, and special dietary requirements.
- Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and infection prevention practices.
- Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and applicable Public Health requirements.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is
- Passionate about preparing nutritious meals for young children.
- Organized and able to manage a busy kitchen efficiently.
- Knowledgeable about food safety, sanitation, and healthy nutrition.




- A collaborative team player who communicates respectfully with children, families, and colleagues.
- Dependable, flexible, and able to work independently.
- Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating a robust sense of belonging.
- Professional, reliable, and committed to maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Compensation & Benefits
- $23.00–$24.00 per hour
- Paid vacation
- Comprehensive benefits package including RRSP
- Monday to Friday schedule
- Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment
- Opportunity to help build and shape a brand-new licensed child care centre

About First Place Early Learning Centre Inc. First Place Early Learning Centre Inc. is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and high-quality early learning environment where children are respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Guided by our core values of Respect, Kindness, and Fairness, we believe every child deserves meaningful relationships, responsive care, and opportunities to learn through play.

We are committed to creating a workplace that values diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $23.00-$24.00 per hour

Benefits

- On-site childcare
- On-site parking

Education:
- Secondary School (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Dietary Aide/Cook (St. Thomas)
🏢 First Place Early Learning Centre
📍 St. Thomas