Position Summary
The Goddard School of Moore is seeking a dedicated and organized Kitchen Manager/Cook to oversee our school’s food program. In this hands-on role, you will plan, prepare, and serve nutritious, kid-friendly meals and snacks that support the healthy growth and development of our young students (ages 6 weeks to 5 years). You will maintain the highest standards of kitchen safety, sanitation, and compliance with all Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) childcare licensing requirements, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, and Goddard School policies.
This is an independent, rewarding position ideal for someone who loves cooking for children, values healthy nutrition, and takes pride in running a clean, efficient kitchen. You will work closely with our leadership team and teaching staff to create a positive, family-like environment where every child receives safe, delicious, and developmentally appropriate meals.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and serve daily breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks in accordance with approved Goddard School menus, portion sizes, and CACFP nutritional guidelines, ensuring all meals are ready on time for classroom delivery.
- Plan weekly menus, accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and special meal requests while maintaining accurate documentation.
- Order food, beverages, and kitchen supplies from approved vendors; manage inventory levels, track usage, and operate within the established food budget to minimize waste.
- Receive, inspect, and properly store all food deliveries while maintaining the cold chain for perishable items.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen, pantry, and storage areas at all times, following a daily and weekly deep-cleaning schedule and all state and local health department regulations.
- Practice and enforce safe food handling techniques, including temperature monitoring, labeling, and record-keeping for all food production, refrigeration, and sanitation logs.
- Distribute meals and snacks to classrooms and assist with any on-site documentation required by licensing or CACFP.
- Obtain and retain manufacturer’s specifications or Child Nutrition Labels for all commercially prepared items.
- Collaborate with the Director(s), teachers, and parents to support children’s nutritional needs and communicate any relevant information (e.g., menu highlights or allergy alerts).
- Attend all required Goddard School trainings, staff meetings, and food-service workshops as scheduled.
- Perform additional related duties as assigned to support the overall operation of the school.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Previous experience as a cook, chef, or kitchen manager in a childcare, school, restaurant, or institutional food-service setting (production cooking experience strongly preferred).
- Current Food Handler’s Permit or Food Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
- Thorough knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation practices, and basic nutrition guidelines for young children.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted, bend, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive physical tasks. - Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
- Must pass all required OKDHS background checks, fingerprinting, and childcare licensing clearances (including FBI and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation).
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Positive attitude, professionalism, and a genuine passion for providing nutritious meals to children.
Preferred
- Experience working in a licensed childcare or preschool environment.
- Familiarity with CACFP guidelines and documentation requirements.
- ServSafe certification.
- Previous menu planning and inventory management experience.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Consistent weekday schedule with no nights, weekends, or major holidays.
- Free meals and snacks while on duty.
- Paid training and professional development opportunities.
- Supportive leadership and a positive, family-oriented work environment.
- Paid time off, medical/dental/vision benefits, retirement plan options, and many more benefits.
- The opportunity to be part of a NAEYC accredited, high-quality early childhood education program that truly values its team members.
If you are a reliable, food-safety-minded individual who enjoys making a daily difference in the lives of young children through great nutrition, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience to the school directly.
This Is Your Moment
The joy of childhood comes from those bright sparks of discovery -- moments that delight and surprise us. Your career at The Goddard School can be just as exciting. For more than 35 years, Goddard Schools have put each teacher at the heart of everything we do because teachers put each student at the heart of everything they do. The Goddard School trusts, empowers, and honors its exceptional educators. Develop your teaching skills in a vibrant and nurturing environment and make a difference in children's lives every day.
