The Learning Experience is hiring a Chef/Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children in our early childhood education center.

The Chef/Cook manages daily food preparation, kitchen sanitation, inventory, and meal service while following applicable nutrition, food safety, and childcare requirements.

What You'll Do

Inspires Happiness

Help create positive mealtimes for children.

Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks

Provide consistent, timely meal and snack service

Help make mealtimes a positive part of each child's day

Work cooperatively with teachers and center staff

Takes Ownership

Manage daily kitchen operations and food preparation.

Prepare meals according to approved menus and nutrition guidelines

Monitor attendance and prepare appropriate food quantities

Manage food inventory, supplies, and ordering

Monitor food quality, expiration dates, and storage

Maintain required meal and snack records, including CACFP records when applicable

Communicate supply or kitchen needs to center leadership

Builds Trust

Communicate effectively with center leadership, teachers, and families.

Follow procedures for food allergies, dietary restrictions, and accommodations

Communicate menu, supply, and meal-service information to the center team

Work with teachers to support smooth meal and snack transitions

Maintain professional and dependable working relationships

Drives Operational Excellence

Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant kitchen.

Follow food handling, preparation, storage, cooking, and serving procedures

Maintain appropriate food temperatures and safe storage practices

Clean and sanitize dishes, cookware, equipment, counters, and food preparation areas

Maintain an organized kitchen and properly stored food and supplies

Follow applicable food service, sanitation, health, safety, and licensing requirements

Manage purchasing and inventory within the established budget

Elevates the Brand

Maintain TLE standards for quality, safety, and service.

Prepare and serve food with attention to quality and consistency

Maintain a clean and organized kitchen

Support center events and special meal needs when appropriate

Contribute to a positive experience for children and families

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required, unless otherwise permitted by state requirements

CPR

Must be at least 18 years old

Food service experience in a childcare center, preschool, school, restaurant, cafeteria, catering, or commercial kitchen preferred

Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling

Ability to follow menus, recipes, portions, and nutrition guidelines

Strong organization and time-management skills

Food Handler or equivalent certification where required

Must meet applicable licensing, background screening, health, and training requirements

Physical Requirements

This active role requires standing for extended periods; bending, reaching, and moving throughout the kitchen; and safely lifting up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be available.

If you have food service experience and enjoy preparing meals for children, apply today to join The Learning Experience as a Preschool Cook.

This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to The Learning Experience Corporate.