Job Title: School Chef

Reports To: Vice Principal

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Position Summary

The School Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking fresh, nutritious, and balanced meals and snacks for children at the childcare centre. The Chef oversees the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring that all meals meet the nutritional needs of children, accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions, and comply with food safety, public health, and childcare licensing requirements.

All meals and snacks are prepared fresh in the centre's kitchen. The Chef is responsible for menu planning, meal preparation, pantry and food inventory management, food purchasing, kitchen sanitation, and ensuring meals are prepared and distributed to classrooms on schedule.

The Chef also supervises and works collaboratively with the Kitchen Assistant to maintain an efficient, clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment while managing food costs and minimizing waste.

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Key Responsibilities

Menu Planning & Nutritional Management

- Plan and develop nutritious, balanced, and age-appropriate menus for children in accordance with applicable childcare nutrition guidelines and Canada's Food Guide.
- Prepare weekly and rotating menus that provide variety and meet children's nutritional needs.
- Ensure all meals and snacks are freshly prepared in the centre's kitchen.
- Plan meals that accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, cultural preferences, and special dietary requirements.
- Review and update menus regularly to maintain variety, nutritional balance, and cost efficiency.
- Ensure appropriate food portions are provided based on children's ages and nutritional needs.
- Communicate menu changes and food substitutions to the Program Supervisor and educators.
- Maintain accurate menu records and documentation as required by childcare licensing regulations.

Food Preparation & Cooking

- Lead the daily preparation and cooking of fresh meals and snacks according to the centre's approved menu and meal schedules.
- Prepare nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks using appropriate cooking methods and fresh ingredients.
- Follow standardized recipes and portion guidelines to maintain consistent food quality and nutritional standards.
- Ensure meals are prepared and served on time according to classroom schedules.
- Prepare appropriate meal alternatives for children with allergies, food sensitivities, and special dietary requirements.
- Maintain strict procedures to prevent cross-contamination and ensure safe food preparation.
- Monitor food temperatures during preparation, cooking, holding, and service to ensure food safety.
- Supervise and direct the Kitchen Assistant in food preparation, cooking assistance, portioning, and meal service.
- Ensure the presentation, taste, quality, and nutritional value of meals meet the centre's standards.
- Identify opportunities to improve meal preparation processes and kitchen efficiency.

Pantry & Food Inventory Management

- Manage and maintain the kitchen pantry, refrigerators, freezers, and food storage areas.
- Monitor food inventory and maintain accurate records of food supplies and ingredients.
- Plan and prepare grocery orders and supply lists based on menus, inventory levels, and the centre's needs.
- Manage food purchasing and ensure adequate supplies are available for daily meal preparation.
- Monitor food costs and manage kitchen spending within the approved budget.
- Ensure all food items are properly labelled, dated, and stored according to food safety standards.
- Implement the First In, First Out (FIFO) method to minimize food waste and prevent spoilage.
- Regularly check expiration dates and remove expired or unsuitable food items.




- Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures and maintain appropriate storage conditions.
- Conduct regular pantry and inventory checks to ensure supplies are sufficient and properly organized.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining food quality and nutritional standards.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked pantry and food storage area.

Meal Portioning & Distribution

- Oversee the portioning and distribution of freshly prepared meals and snacks to classrooms according to schedule.
- Ensure meals are appropriately portioned based on children's ages and dietary requirements.
- Supervise the preparation of food carts, trays, and containers for meal service.
- Ensure meals for children with allergies and special dietary needs are clearly identified and safely prepared.
- Communicate with educators regarding meal schedules, menu substitutions, allergies, and special dietary requirements.
- Coordinate with the Kitchen Assistant to ensure timely delivery and collection of meals, dishes, and food carts.
- Monitor meal service processes and address any food-related concerns promptly.

Kitchen Management & Sanitation

- Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring a clean, safe, organized, and efficient working environment.
- Ensure all kitchen surfaces, equipment, utensils, and food preparation areas are properly cleaned and sanitized.
- Supervise and participate in washing dishes, pots, pans, utensils, containers, and food carts as required.
- Ensure compliance with local public health regulations, food safety standards, and centre policies.
- Establish and maintain daily, weekly, and periodic kitchen cleaning schedules.
- Ensure proper food handling, storage, preparation, and sanitation procedures are consistently followed.
- Monitor kitchen equipment and appliances to ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently.
- Report equipment issues, maintenance needs, and safety concerns to the Program Supervisor.
- Ensure proper waste disposal, recycling, and composting procedures are followed.
- Maintain appropriate kitchen records, including food temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and other required documentation.
- Ensure the kitchen is prepared for public health inspections and childcare licensing reviews.
- Oversee kitchen opening and closing procedures, including cleaning, organizing, and preparing for the following day.

Kitchen Staff Supervision & Coordination

- Provide daily direction and supervision to the Kitchen Assistant.
- Assign and coordinate kitchen tasks, including food preparation, meal distribution, cleaning, and inventory management.
- Train and guide the Kitchen Assistant on food preparation procedures, food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
- Ensure kitchen responsibilities are completed efficiently and according to schedule.
- Promote teamwork, effective communication, and a positive working environment.
- Work collaboratively with the Program Supervisor to address staffing, operational, and kitchen-related needs.

Centre Support

- Work collaboratively with educators, management, and other centre staff to support smooth daily operations.
- Communicate with the Program Supervisor regarding menu planning, food budgets, kitchen needs, and operational concerns.
- Support the centre during special events, celebrations, and food-related activities.
- Assist with planning meals and snacks for special occasions and centre programs.




- Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development as required.
- Provide general support to the centre when appropriate and operationally feasible.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor or Centre Director.

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Required Qualifications

Required

- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Culinary training, professional cooking certification, or equivalent practical experience in food preparation and kitchen operations.
- Valid Food Handler Certification.
- Current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
- Demonstrated experience preparing and cooking meals for groups.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, kitchen sanitation, and safe food handling procedures.
- Knowledge of nutrition, meal planning, and age-appropriate food preparation for children.
- Ability to plan menus, follow recipes, and manage food portions.
- Experience managing pantry inventory, grocery purchasing, and food supplies.
- Ability to accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and special dietary needs.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and leadership skills.
- Physically able to stand for extended periods, lift and carry food supplies, and perform kitchen duties.

Assets

- Previous experience as a Chef, Cook, or Kitchen Supervisor in a daycare, school, institutional kitchen, or similar environment.
- Culinary diploma or recognized professional cooking qualification.
- Experience planning and preparing nutritious meals for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
- Experience supervising or training kitchen staff.
- Familiarity with Ontario childcare licensing requirements, Canada's Food Guide, and local public health regulations.
- Experience with food budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification.

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Skills & Attributes

- Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated.
- Strong cooking skills and passion for preparing nutritious meals for children.
- Ability to work independently and lead a small kitchen team.
- Excellent organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities.
- Strong attention to detail, particularly regarding food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage daily kitchen operations efficiently.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Professional, respectful, and child-focused approach.
- Creative and resourceful in menu planning and food preparation.
- Ability to manage food costs, reduce waste, and maximize available resources.
- Flexible and willing to assist with various kitchen and centre responsibilities.
- Strong commitment to cleanliness, food safety, teamwork, and maintaining a positive work environment.

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Working Conditions

- Daytime hours.
- Fast-paced kitchen environment aligned with classroom meal schedules.
- Work involves standing for extended periods, cooking, food preparation, cleaning, lifting, and moving food supplies.
- Exposure to kitchen equipment, heat, cleaning products, and food preparation activities.
- Work environment involves stairs between floors.
- Daily interaction and coordination with kitchen staff, educators, and centre management.

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Why Join Our Team

- Supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth opportunities.
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits coverage (Health & Dental).

Pay: $20.00-$30.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site childcare
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Licence/Certification:

- Food Handler Certification (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 School Chef (Mississauga)
🏢 Primrose Preschool
📍 Mississauga