Ignite Curiosity. Grow Potential.
At Learning Jungle, we believe in the power of early education to transform lives and communities. As a global provider of high-quality educational childcare, we are committed to enriching young minds through play-based learning that is Reggio-inspired and rooted in the Creative Curriculum. Our mission is to inspire children to be creative, mindful, and influential members of the world they live in.
We are currently seeking a skilled and passionate Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center Chef to join our team and provide nutritious, balanced meals to support the growth and development of young children in alignment with California requirements. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals for children aged 0–5 in a safe and hygienic manner, adhering to all licensing and nutritional guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
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Meal Planning & Preparation: Plan and prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals that support the health and well-being of young children. Ensure that meals meet USDA, California Department of Social Services/Community Care Licensing, and other regulatory guidelines for early childhood education centers.
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Food Safety & Sanitation: Follow strict food safety and sanitation protocols to ensure the kitchen, food storage, and meal preparation areas are clean and safe. Maintain proper food handling practices and ensure compliance with health codes.
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Menu Planning: Develop weekly menus that include a variety of healthy foods, ensuring that all meals are balanced, meet dietary restrictions, and cater to children with allergies or special dietary needs.
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Nutritional Guidelines: Ensure that meals meet nutritional standards set by the California Department of Social Services/Community Care Licensing and other relevant bodies.
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Inventory Management: Maintain inventory of food supplies, order ingredients, and ensure the kitchen is stocked with necessary items. Keep track of food expiration dates and ensure that the kitchen operates within budgetary guidelines.
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Collaboration: Work with center leadership and teaching staff to ensure meals are served on time and in a manner that aligns with the center’s daily routine. Collaborate with staff to accommodate special events or family meals.
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Compliance & Documentation: Maintain records of food production, meal counts, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Complete all necessary paperwork related to food safety, allergies, and meal planning.
Qualifications:
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Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of a culinary program, or coursework in nutrition, food safety, or a related field is preferred.
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Experience: Prior experience as a chef or cook in an institutional or childcare setting is preferred. Experience in preparing meals for young children or in early childhood education centers is a plus.
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Licensing: Must meet California Department of Social Services/Community Care Licensing requirements for food service in childcare centers, including completion of a Food Safety Manager Certification (or the ability to obtain certification upon hire).
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Health & Safety: Must pass a health screening, including a tuberculosis test, and obtain fingerprint clearance prior to employment.
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Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain within 30 days of employment.
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Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and perform tasks that involve bending, lifting, and food preparation.
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Knowledge: Strong understanding of food safety regulations, nutrition for young children, and appropriate meal planning and preparation for the 0–5 age group.
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Passion: A genuine passion for promoting healthy eating habits in young children and contributing to their growth and development.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience with Special Dietary Needs: Experience with meal planning for children with food allergies or specific dietary restrictions.
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Culinary Certifications: Culinary school graduate or other professional culinary certifications.
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Language Skills: Proficiency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish, is a plus.
Why Join Learning Jungle?
- Supportive, inclusive work culture grounded in early childhood best practices.
- Opportunities for continued education and career advancement.
- Competitive salary and benefits aligned with North Carolina early childhood education standards.
- A meaningful role in shaping the future of young learners and their communities.
Are you ready to lead with purpose and inspire a love of learning?
Apply today to become a part of the Learning Jungle team and help children thrive through curiosity, creativity, and care.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the position. Learning Jungle is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Learning Jungle is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the HR Department at
HR@learningjungle.com.
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An Automated Decision System (ADS) is employed in the assessment of applicants for the positions being recruited for in order to gauge the following pertinent qualifications or traits:
- The candidate’s ability to perform the tasks in the available job role.
- The candidate's self-rated skill proficiency.
- The candidate’s fit for this job posting.
The use of AI technology, which may be considered an ADS, is used to converse with candidates, screen based on the position’s criteria, and schedule interviews. The candidate may request an alternative selection process or accommodation if desired by emailing the employer directly using the email listed on the careers site.
