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Mission
Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos, Inc. Head Start, a non-profit agency, is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young children, one family at a time. We provide opportunities for education, parenting support and resources to
families in our communities.
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Health & Nutrition Coordinator and with guidance from the contracted Nutritionist, the Cook is responsible for guaranteeing that the children are served nutritious, good tasting and appealing meals. It is the Cook's responsibility to prepare these meals by methods that maintain high nutrient levels. It is also the Cook's duty to deliver meals to the children ready for family style meal service and suitable for the children's age and development. Keep records as required by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the Delegate Agency and the Grantee. This position involves extensive organizing, problem solving, record keeping, and time management.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Plans and prepares foods in accordance with the New Mexico and USDA CACFP requirements, Menus and Recipes.
2. Follows planned menus to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are necessary, with prior approval, serves food of equivalent nutritional value. With guidance from the Nutritionist and Nutrition Manager modifies menus for children's field trips; notes all modifications and substitutes on posted menu and for CACFP records.
3. Prepares breakfast, lunch and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients are lost from foods, that ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and that there are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need.
4. Maintains established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments; maintains an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen.
5. With the guidance of the Health & Nutrition Coordinator who will consult with the contracted Nutritionist, modifies menus and recipes and prepares foods to meet the developmental needs of children and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies.
6. Delivers foods from the kitchen to the tables ready to be served as suitable for the children's age and development.
7. Maintains cost control, budget and inventory systems based on CAFCP procedures including records of food production, service and attendance.
8. Requests food and non-food supplies in a timely manner, shops for and deliveries groceries and supplies ensuring maintain proper temperatures of perishable food during transit.
9. Assures the proper care and maintenance of all food service equipment; identifies equipment needs for food preparation and service and assists in purchasing as needed.
10. Conducts and participates in nutrition education activities for staff, parents and children.
11. Participates in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities.
12. Understands and cooperates in undertaking requirement to assist in the classroom management as it relates to maintaining staff/teacher and child ratio, to ensure no child is left unattended.
13. Attends and participates in grantee-sponsored trainings, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities.
14. Participates in the agency's self-evaluation process and grantee monitoring visits and complies with any applicable Program Improvement Plans developed.
15. Participates in general staff meetings and other meetings and events planned by the grantee and delegate agency as requested.
16. Performs other duties, as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.
• Be honest, reliable and dependable.
• Respect and maintain rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.
• Attend mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.
• Work as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic.
• Act conscientiously in performing routine duties
• Adhere to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills
• Ability to read menus, m