If you are looking to have a positive impact in the lives of children by providing them with excellent nutritional and balanced meals/snacks, we look forward to hearing from you!

The Organization

Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham is a non-profit licensed childcare operator serving children from 0 – 12 years of age across Durham Region in a variety of licensed and recreational programs. We promote an environment of respect and celebrate the rich diversity of the children, their families, and our employees.

Position: Centre Cook

Location: Altona Forest P.S. - Pickering

Details: Contract, 12-18 months, Full-Time - 37.5 hours/week

Compensation: $20.23/hour

Your Role

Reporting to the Supervisor of Child Care, you will prepare nutritional and well-balanced meals and snacks for children, 18 months - 12 years old. You will follow menus that reflect Canada Food Guide and children’s interest in preparing healthy meals. Child Care Early Years Act (CCEYA) standards and that are reviewed and approved by a registered dietician ensuring food is meeting each child’s nutritional needs.

Your Responsibilities:

- Plans, prepares, and executes menu planning and food preparation for children (including shopping)
- Manages all inventory of food, kitchen supplies and budget processes
- Supports diversity, accommodates food restrictions and allergies as required
- Follows the guidelines as outlined in the Canada Food Guide
- Adheres to Durham Region Public Health and Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham requirements




- Ensures family inquiries and concerns are resolved and/or shared with the Supervisor to ensure prompt, professional follow up
- Attends and fully participates in all employee orientation, training and meetings as outlined by the Supervisor
- Supports in program working with children as required

The Ideal Candidate – Professional Attributes

- Ability to prepare a variety of fresh, unprocessed meals and snacks
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent planning and time management skills
- Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Professional work ethic and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Enthusiastic, positive, and fun

The Ideal Candidate – Qualifications, Education and Experience

- High School Diploma, and a minimum of 18 years old
- Solid understanding of safe food handling procedures and the Canada’s Food Guide
- Valid driver’s license and daily access to vehicle
- Valid up to date Standard First Aid with CPR C and Food Safety Handling Certificate (prior to the start of position)
- Experience working in a kitchen environment an asset
- Experience and ability to work with families within a recreational or licensed childcare setting

What we offer our employees:

- A very competitive wage and benefit package.




- Permanent employees receive a 20% discounted rate to enroll their child in our school age programs.
- Permanent employees start with 6% (3 weeks) vacation accumulation, 3 floater days and accumulate 10 sick days per year (but are not paid out)
- Benefits are offered to permanent part time (17.5 hours per week) and full-time employees, and the premiums are employer paid.
- A fun, diverse and inclusive work environment

Interested? Interested applicants should submit their cover letter and resume via e-mail to Olivia Rellinger at [email protected]. Please indicate that you are applying for "Altona Forest Centre Cook".

Internal applicants - please include a “Performance Overview” completed by your Supervisor.

Closing Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

We thank everyone who has submitted their applications; however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Schoolhouse Playcare is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a selection process and work setting that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting Human Resources.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: $20.23 per hour

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Vision care

Flexible language requirement:
- French not required

Work Location: In person

📌 Centre Cook - Altona Forest (Pickering)
🏢 Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham
📍 Pickering