Overview The Cook / Housekeeper is responsible for the planning, preparation, and service of safe, nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) , centre policies, and local Public Health regulations. This position manages food and centre supply inventories, training staff, supporting classroom activities, and assisting in emergency preparedness. The Cook/Housekeeper position ensures full compliance with food safety standards, allergy management protocols, sanitation procedures, and infection prevention requirements. The role also supports the overall health, safety, and cleanliness of the childcare environment to promote children’s well-being and development

Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Kitchen Duties

- Prepare, and serve daily breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack as per Centre’s 4 week rotational menu
- Modify portion sizes according to age group (infant/toddler, preschool)
- Ensure meals and snacks are ready according to classroom schedules to maintain program flow
- Prepare a weekly grocery list based on menu planning and current inventory; submit for approval and/or coordinate purchase and delivery
- Maintain organized fridge, freezer, and pantry areas for easy access, food safety and proper rotation using FIFO (First In, First Out) method
- Ensure any food or drink brought from home includes a clear label with the child’s name before storage or classroom distribution.
- Monitor and strictly follow children’s dietary restrictions, allergies, and special nutrition requirements daily during preparation and delivery of meals/snacks to classrooms
- Maintain safe food temperatures at all stages: preparation, storage, transport, and service
- Maintain kitchen logs including food temperatures, fridge & freezer, inventory,




- Record any meal substitutions on kitchen log and on each classroom bulletin board
- Ensure quantity of food is sufficient for daily needs while minimizing waste.
- Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene of kitchen equipment, counters, appliances, and storage areas and record on Kitchen Sanitizing/Disinfection Log
- Ensure that all thermometers in Fridges and Freezers are calibrated and functioning properly

Housekeeping, Supplies & Distribution

- Perform daily cleaning and sanitizing of kitchen, laundry room, washrooms, staffroom areas, hallway and common spaces to maintain a hygienic environment
- Disinfect equipment according to health regulations and Ministry licensing standards.
- Launder bedding, smocks, and cleaning cloths and ensure protected handling of soiled items
- Ensure that vacuum canisters are cleaned weekly
- Safely dispose of garbage according to centre policies
- Maintain inventory of childcare centre cleaning supplies, paper goods, PPE supplies, and operational items
- Monitor supply levels and communicate with management regarding restocking needs or discrepancies
- Receive centre supply deliveries, verify accuracy against orders, and properly distribute supplies to classrooms and storage areas
- Follow cleaning schedules and complete logs to document housekeeping

Health, Safety & Emergency Procedures

- Adhere to occupational health and safety regulations, including proper lifting,



chemical handling and storage, and infection prevention practices
- Follow directions and recommendations provided by Public Health and the Ministry of Education

Career development & Staff Support

- Participate in ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance skills in childcare nutrition and food safety
- Attend staff meetings when appropriate

Other Duties as Assigned

- Demonstrate flexibility in responding to the evolving needs of the program, children, families, and Centre operations
- Provide occasional coverage in classrooms
- Assist with Centre-wide activities, special events, or emergencies, as needed
- Support Centre initiatives related to health and safety, quality improvement, and community engagement

Qualifications

Effective organizational and time management skills to:

- Manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously without compromising safety or quality
- Prioritize in a fast-paced childcare environment
- Meet strict meal service deadlines consistently
- Maintain structured daily routines and checklists
- Keep storage areas, documentation, and workspaces orderly and accessible

Other Qualifications:

- Valid Food Handler Certification
- Clear Vulnerable Sector Check, signed Annual Offence Declaration
- First Aid & CPR level C Certification
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and perform physical tasks associated with kitchen and housekeeping duties
- Strong communication and teamwork skills

Qualifications

Effective organizational and time management skills to:

- Manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously without compromising safety or quality
- Prioritize in a fast-paced childcare environment
- Meet strict meal service deadlines consistently
- Maintain struct

📌 Childcare Centre Cook/housekeeper (Mississauga)
🏢 Busy Hands n Minds Childcare Centre
📍 Mississauga