Early Childhood Food Specialist (Full-Time)

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $22.50-$25 HR DOQ+

The Glencoe Park District is an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and national Gold Medal Awardwinning agency dedicated to enriching lives and building community and foster an environment of respect for all. Our Early Childhood Department offers a licensed, full-day program that provides a secure, nurturing space where children learn through hands-on, meaningful experiences. Join us in creating exceptional experiences for everyone in Glencoe!

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Early Childhood Director and Head Coordinator, the Early Childhood Food Specialist is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service within the Early Childhood program while ensuring compliance with all Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Public Health Department regulations related to food handling, sanitation, and equipment use.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare healthy, balanced, and versatile menus for the Early Childhood program.
• Place and manage food and supply orders to ensure timely availability of items.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Ensure meals and snacks are served at appropriate times and temperatures.
• Follow a rotating schedule of cleaning and sanitation tasks, including:
  • Cleaning classroom refrigerators
  • Sanitizing childrens toys
  • Washing daily dishes.
    

Beyond day-to-day responsibilities in the Early Childhood program, the Food Specialist also provides support for other Glencoe Park District events and initiatives. Examples include preparing meals or refreshments for camp staff trainings, bi-monthly Early Childhood staff meetings and in-services, district-wide staff meetings, and select special events.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.
  
• Must have or be willing to obtain within 60 days of hire, a Food Manager Certificate, Allergy Certificate, and Food Sanitation Certificate as required by the State of Illinois.
• Must be able to pass a DCFS background check.
• Minimum of two years of prior experience in kitchen and food preparation, food ordering, and inventory management is required; experience in an Early Learning Center is preferred.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate food service and nutrition guidelines for young children preferred.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification required within 90 days of hire.
• Completion of all DCFS-required paperwork within 60 days of hire.
• All full-time employees must pass a criminal background check, drug test, and physical exam, which the Glencoe Park District will cover.

Required Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the philosophy of public recreation.
• Ability to effectively communicate this philosophy to others.
• Proven technical knowledge of the positions subject matter.

Required Skills:

• Must be dependable and flexible, demonstrating good safety awareness and sound judgment.
• Ability to understand and follow rules and instructions.
• Ability to read, write, and organize materials effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Cook

• Communicate with teachers regarding classroom needs and allergy concerns.
• Receive and oversee food orders.
• Distribute food to each classroom.
• Prepare and serve meals according to program needs.
• Contribute to a positive and harmonious work environment within the center.
• Receive daily lunch deliveries from catering contractor.
• Lead weekly food orders from Sysco and Marianos, complete food order inventory.
• Maintain good personal hygiene and a professional appearance.
• Follow all center, Glencoe Park District, DCFS, and Public Health Department policies and standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of the kitchen, equipment, and facilities.
• Ensure meals are served punctually and include all required components.
• Organize and maintain food supplies and storage areas.
  Participate in activities supporting professional growth.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance; notify the Early Childhood Director in the event of illness.
• Attend staff meetings and school functions.

Records and Reports

• Keep all food logs and cleaning charts up to date; serve and manage food in compliance with regulations.
• Create monthly food menus ensuring children receive required portion sizes and food groups.
• Track menu changes and maintain lunch menu records.
• Notify the Early Childhood Director when supplies need replenishment or when lunch counts change.

Other

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Early Childhood Director or Head Coordinator.

Hours:

Regular scheduled hours for this position are 7 AM-4 PM, Monday-Friday. Due to the very nature of park district programming, early morning, evening, weekend, and some holiday hours are to be expected.

Pay Scale:

This is a Full-Time, non-exempt position. The intended starting annual pay range for this position is $22.50-$25 per hour, with a full pay scale ranging from $22.55 per hour to $32 per hour.

Final compensation will be determined in good faith based on an evaluation of the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the recommendation of the Early Childhood Director or the Executive Director.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, and Hearing coverage
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance (basic & voluntary additional coverage)
• Participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) - Defined Benefit Pension
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (IMRF)
• Supplemental Benefits (Aflac)
• Employee Assistance Program
• 457 Defined Contribution Plans
• Medical and Childcare Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off (sick, vacation, floating holidays and personal time) & Paid Family Leave
• Public Commuter Transit Benefit
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Park District Membership, Program and Rental Discounts

*To review the full job description, please contact the hiring manager.

Glencoe Park District is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.