Food Aide

Job Description

Job Description

Educare Chicago provides high-quality care, best-in-class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old on Chicago’s South Side. As a program that serves low-income families, Educare’s research-based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication . Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture. We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.

The Food Aide is responsible for the overall management of the Educare Servery. The Food Aide is responsible for ensuring that practices and procedures are enforced strictly to guidelines, as set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and the Federal Head Start Performance Standards. In addition, the Food Aide will oversee the service of breakfast, lunch, and supplements and will provide children with meals that meet recommended daily nutritional needs. Also, the Food Aide will verify food temperatures and quantity, accept and sign for food delivered by the caterer daily. Reporting to the Facilities Coordinator, you will:

Responsibilities:

• Check and record catered meals and milk quantity daily to assure an appropriate supply.
• Maintain inventory and order of all food service supplies as necessary. Ensure that all food is stored appropriately in refrigerators, cabinets, etc.
• Ensure Educare servery follows all USDA, City of Chicago, and State of Illinois licensing requirements.
• Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing, and Start Early’s philosophy, curriculum, and Standards of Conduct.
• Plan menus with the Dietitian Consultant and Lead Food Aide. Deliver meals to the classroom at designated times according to daily schedules.
• Provide mealtime table set-up for “family-style” meal service.
• Supervise food approval from the Dietitian Consultant of children. Oversee breast milk/formula refrigerator temperature logs in infant classrooms. Facilitate and assist with food experiences in the school. Conduct quarterly Taste of Educare events for families.
• Maintain appropriate personal hygiene rules per regulations.
• Use Universal Health Precautions as outlined in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing standards for childcare centers.
• Develop and monitor a schedule for the cleaning of all kitchen equipment.
• Record all food substitutions, including menu changes, daily and file in a USDA binder.
• Maintains confidentiality under Start Early’s policies and procedures.
• Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and trainings, and reflective supervision.
• Ensure no child is left unattended and implement Active Supervision Strategies.
• Completes required continuing education and maintains required certifications.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• The City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required.
• One year of experience in a food service environment.
• Experience supervising is very desirable.
• Ability to track and monitor food information.
• Ability to communicate optimally and function well with staff and parents.
• Ability to work collaboratively and as an encouraging team member.
• Must have good verbal and written skills.
• Must know the Illinois Food and Sanitation requirements and the State and City
• licensing standards.
• Must be familiar with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Deep commitment to advancing diversity and incorporating it into interpersonal routines and practice.
• Efficiently establish and handle relationships with colleagues/clients and gain their trust and respect.
• Relief and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

Salary: $31,700.00 - $39,000.00 / $16.25/hr - $20.00/hr

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Dedication to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months of paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by crafting an inclusive environment for all staff.