Kitchen Assistant

Job Title: Kitchen Assistant Reports To: School Chef/Vice Principal ________________________________________ Position Summary The Daycare Kitchen Assistant supports the daily operations of the childcare centre by assisting the Chef with food preparation, cooking, meal distribution, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment. All meals and snacks are prepared fresh in the centre's kitchen. The Kitchen Assistant works closely with the Chef to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children, manages pantry inventory, ensures proper food storage, distributes meals to classrooms, cleans and sanitizes kitchen areas, and provides general operational support to the centre as needed. ________________________________________ Key Responsibilities Food Preparation & Cooking Assistance Assist the Chef with daily meal preparation and cooking according to the centre's menu and meal schedules. Wash, peel, chop, measure, and prepare ingredients for meals and snacks. Assist with cooking tasks under the direction and supervision of the Chef. Prepare and portion snacks, fruits, vegetables, and other food items as required. Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and food preparation instructions provided by the Chef. Assist with preparing meals and snacks for children with allergies, food sensitivities, and special dietary requirements. Ensure food is prepared and handled in accordance with food safety and public health standards. Support the Chef in ensuring meals and snacks are ready and served on schedule. Pantry & Food Inventory Management Organize and maintain the kitchen pantry, refrigerators, freezers, and food storage areas. Monitor pantry inventory and maintain accurate records of food supplies and ingredients. Track inventory levels and notify the Chef of items that need replenishment. Assist with preparing grocery and supply lists based on the centre's menu and inventory needs. Ensure food items are properly labelled, dated, and stored according to food safety standards. Rotate food supplies using the First In, First Out (FIFO) method to minimize 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. Assist with managing food usage, reducing waste, and ensuring supplies are used efficiently. Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked pantry and food storage area. Meal Distribution Portion and distribute freshly prepared meals and snacks to classrooms according to schedule. Prepare food carts, trays, and containers for meal service. Ensure meals are appropriately portioned and clearly identified for children with special dietary requirements. Communicate with educators regarding meal times, substitutions, and special dietary needs. Collect used dishes, trays, containers, and food carts after meal service. Assist with meal service and clean-up as required. Kitchen & Sanitation Duties Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, equipment, and food preparation areas daily. Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, containers, and carts after meal preparation and service. Clean and maintain kitchen appliances and equipment according to established procedures. Maintain kitchen cleanliness in compliance with local health regulations and centre policies. Sweep, mop, and maintain kitchen floors and storage areas as required. Dispose of waste appropriately and assist with recycling and composting procedures. Ensure proper cleaning and sanitation practices are followed to prevent cross-contamination. Assist with opening and closing kitchen duties, including cleaning, organizing, and preparing the kitchen for the next day. Centre Support Provide general support to the centre as required, including light assistance in classrooms when appropriate. Support staff during transitions such as meal times and clean-up periods. Work collaboratively with the Chef, educators, and other centre staff to ensure smo…

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