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About the Role

The Center Chef plays a vital role in advancing the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of children at YMCA Tomorrow Academy. This position ensures that all meals and snacks are prepared fresh, meet CACFP guidelines, and reflect our commitment to quality early childhood care. This role supports the physical development, energy, and focus of young children through nutritious, appealing meals served in a safe and welcoming environment. The Center Chef is responsible for menu planning, food preparation, inventory management, cost control, and compliance with all health and regulatory requirements. This position partners with leadership to maintain high standards of food safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Plan monthly menus for breakfast, lunch, and snacks in alignment with CACFP, USDA, and TDA for meal pattern requirements.
• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks according to approved menus, ensuring proper portion sizes, safe food handling, and age-appropriate presentation.
• Maintain accurate CACFP documentation, including meal counts, food production records, and required compliance logs.
• Collaborate with the YMCA procurement team to plan food orders aligned with approved menus and verify deliveries for quality, accuracy, and proper temperatures.
• Maintain oversight of kitchen inventory by monitoring food supplies, forecasting ordering needs, and communicating timely purchasing requests to the procurement team.
• Track food usage, monitor kitchen-related expenses, and identify opportunities to minimize waste and improve cost efficiencies.
• Maintain proper food storage and inventory rotation using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) practices to ensure freshness and reduce waste.
• Ensure safe accommodation of documented food allergies, dietary restrictions, and medical meal plans in coordination with the Director and classroom educators.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen in compliance with local health department regulations, Texas Child Care Regulation standards, and CACFP requirements, including required temperature logs and sanitation checks.
• Monitor kitchen equipment for safe operation and report maintenance or replacement needs.
• Collaborate with classroom educators to support positive mealtime experiences that promote healthy eating habits and child independence.
• Provide limited classroom support during non-meal service hours while maintaining primary responsibility for kitchen operations.
• Participate in required professional development related to food safety, CACFP compliance, and YMCA standards.
• Support continuous improvement and enterprise initiatives related to on-site meal service operations across YMCA Tomorrow Academy locations.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a positive work environment within the early childhood center.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of cooking experience, preferably in high volume settings serving 75+ children or similar populations.
• Experience in food service, childcare, kitchens, school cafeterias, or institutional cooking preferred.
• Food Manager Certification required or in progress.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with USDA CACFP guidelines or willingness to learn childcare nutrition requirements.
• Ability to prepare large quantities of meals while maintaining quality portion control and presentation standards.
• Experience developing and following standardized menus, including accommodating dietary restrictions and food allergies, and collaborating on menu planning preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with staff and leadership.
• Flexible solution oriented and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Team-oriented with a positive attitude and ability to build strong relationships with staff and children.
• Strong commitment to cleanliness, safety, and kitchen organization.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while preparing and serving meals.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions associated with food preparation and kitchen tasks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment.
• Ability to maintain awareness of children and staff in the surrounding areas.
• Ability to move quickly and safely.
• Ability to maintain proper hygiene.
• Ability to work in a temperature-variable kitchen environment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Skills

• Food safety
• Sanitation practices
• Regulatory compliance
• CACFP guidelines
• USDA guidelines
• Menu planning
• Food preparation
• Inventory management
• Cost control
• Food ordering
• Food storage
• FIFO practices
• Allergy accommodation
• Dietary restriction accommodation
• Kitchen cleaning
• Kitchen organization
• Equipment maintenance
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Time management
• Teamwork

Location

• Tomorrow Academy – Dove Springs Area, Austin, TX 78744

Work Type

• Full-time

Experience Level

• Minimum of 5 years of cooking experience

Education Level

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Food Manager Certification required or in progress

About the Company

• YMCA Tomorrow Academy is committed to advancing the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of children.
• We are dedicated to quality early childhood care.