The Head Start Assistant Cook assists the Cook in shopping for, preparing, and delivering healthy meals and snacks to classrooms each day while practicing safe food handling per USDA and Head Start standards.

Typical Duties

• Assist the cook in purchasing necessary supplies and food and completing related paperwork as determined in consultation with the Health and Nutrition Coordinator, the Nutrition Specialist, and the Site Supervisor.

• Assist the cook in receiving orders from vendors, ensuring that proper items have been delivered.

• Assist the cook in preparing meals in accordance with MRDC procedures based on Head Start Performance Standards and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

• Keep foods at the correct temperatures so that all prescribed safety procedures are maintained.

• Assist the cook in ensuring that all children with food allergies or other dietary needs receive the proper food daily.

• Assist the cook in developing and following standardized recipes using portion control methods, including the weighing/measuring of meal components.

• Assist the cook in assembling meal components, utensils, and paper products for distribution to classrooms at appropriate times.

• When the cook is not present, complete his or her usually assigned duties with assistance from another staff member as assigned by the Site Supervisor.

Requirements

• The Head Start Kitchen Aide must have, at a minimum, a high school diploma or GED.

• Must have at least one year of cooking experience for large or small groups.

• Must pass a criminal background check in MD and surrounding states.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)

• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

• Short Term & Long Term Disability

• Training & Development