Preschool Cook & Food Service Assistant
17 hours ago
Portland
Job Description Preschool Cook & Food Services Assistant Reports To: Executive Director FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Employment Status: Part-Time Position Summary Future Pathways Academy is seeking a dependable, caring, and detail-oriented Preschool Cook and Food Services Assistant to help provide safe, nutritious, and appealing meals and snacks for children ages 3 to 5. At Future Pathways Academy, we believe children are capable, curious learners. We are committed to creating a safe, engaging, play-based learning environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow. The Preschool Cook and Food Services Assistant cooks and prepares simple meals and snacks, portions and serves food, maintains a clean and organized kitchen, supports accurate food service records, and follows all dietary, allergy, sanitation, and licensing requirements. Working closely with Academy leadership and classroom staff, this role helps ensure that each child receives nourishing food in a safe, welcoming environment. Our Ideal Candidate • Takes pride in preparing and serving food safely, consistently, and on schedule., • Is organized, dependable, and attentive to details such as portions, temperatures, labels, and expiration dates., • Carefully follows menus, recipes, allergy plans, and dietary instructions., • Communicates professionally and warmly with children, families, colleagues, and vendors., • Responds calmly to changing needs and contributes wherever support is needed., • Wants to be part of a mission-driven Academy that makes a lasting impact on children and families. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Service • Cook and prepare meals and snacks, and portion and serve food according to approved menus, recipes, meal schedules, and child-sized portion requirements., • Ensure meals and snacks are ready on time, available in sufficient quantities, and presented in a way that is safe and appealing for preschool-aged children., • Coordinate with classroom staff to distribute meals, beverages, serving items, and additional portions as needed., • Follow approved procedures for meal substitutions, leftovers, and any catered or family-provided food. Food Safety, Sanitation & Kitchen Operations • Follow handwashing, glove use, food temperature, cross-contamination, and safe food handling requirements at all times., • Wash, rinse, sanitize, and air-dry dishes, utensils, equipment, food-contact surfaces, carts, and tables after use., • Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen, serving, storage, and waste areas; store cleaning products separately and safely., • Monitor equipment and storage temperatures and promptly report damaged equipment, maintenance needs, spills, pests, or food safety concerns. Nutrition, Allergies & Dietary Accommodations • Follow approved menus and current USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program meal pattern, portion size, and nutrition requirements., • Review each child's allergy, dietary, cultural, and medical food needs before preparation and service; follow written instructions exactly., • Prevent allergen cross-contact through approved preparation, labeling, storage, and serving procedures; immediately report any concern or error., • Select and prepare age-appropriate foods in ways that reduce choking hazards and support a positive, respectful mealtime experience. Inventory, Documentation & Team Collaboration • Receive and inspect deliveries; label, date, rotate, and store food and supplies using first-in, first-out practices., • Track inventory and communicate ordering needs, shortages, substitutions, expired items, or menu concerns to the Executive Director before service is affected., • Complete required meal counts, menus, substitutions, temperature logs, cleaning records, and other food service documentation accurately and on time., • Collaborate with Academy staff, participate in required meetings and training, protect confidential child health information, and contribute to a positive Academy culture. Qualifications & Certifications Required Qualifications • At least 18 years of age and able to meet Oregon child care staff requirements., • Ability to read and follow menus, recipes, labels, allergy plans, and written health and safety procedures., • Basic knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, portioning, and kitchen safety, or the ability to learn quickly through training., • Strong reliability, organization, time management, communication, and attention to detail. Preferred Qualifications • Previous food preparation or meal service experience in a child care center, school, health care setting, restaurant, or institutional kitchen., • Familiarity with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program meal patterns, preschool portion sizes, food allergies, and dietary accommodations. Required Certifications & Compliance • Successful completion of all required background checks and enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry., • Current Oregon Food Handler Card, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire and keep current throughout employment., • Completion of required Academy and Oregon Child Care Licensing Division orientation, health and safety, and child abuse reporting training within required timelines. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions • Stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, and use repetitive hand motions for extended periods., • Frequently lift and carry food, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds and safely push or pull loaded carts., • Work around hot equipment, steam, refrigeration, sharp utensils, cleaning agents, food allergens, and potentially wet or slippery surfaces while following required safety procedures. Equal Opportunity & Job Description Disclaimer Future Pathways Academy is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This job description describes the general nature of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties; Future Pathways Academy reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as business needs evolve.
Cleaning
Driver & Delivery
Kitchen Support
Chef & Cook
Servers
Construction & Trades
Security
Quick Service
Salon & Beauty
Office & Admin
Retail
Sales & Marketing
Warehouse
Customer Service
Host & Hostess
Barista
Entertainment
Accounting & Finance
Animal Care
Art, Media, Design
Bar Staff
Child Care
Education
Engineering
Events & Promotion
Fashion
Health & Social Services
Information Technology
Legal
Management
Manufacturing
Online Jobs
Science
Sports & Wellness
Writing & Editing
Other