NC PreK Nutrition Specialist (Preschool Cook) (9:00AM-1:00PM)

Company Summary

Wonder Academy is a creative arts preschool located in Indian Trail, NC, dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education in a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive environment. We believe healthy meals help children learn, grow, and thrive, and we are seeking a caring, dependable, and organized Preschool Cook to join our team. If you enjoy preparing nutritious meals, maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen, and making a positive impact on the lives of young children, we'd love to welcome you to the Wonder Academy team!

Job Summary

Wonder Academy is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Preschool Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years in accordance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, North Carolina child care licensing requirements, and all applicable food safety standards.

The Preschool Cook plays an essential role in supporting children's health and well-being by preparing quality meals, maintaining accurate records, ensuring food safety, and keeping the kitchen clean, organized, and operating efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks according to approved menus and USDA CACFP meal pattern requirements.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served on schedule while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation.
• Safely prepare, store, label, and serve food following all state and local health department regulations and food safety practices.
• Maintain accurate food production records, meal counts, refrigerator and freezer temperature logs, and other required CACFP documentation.
• Receive, inspect, organize, and properly store food deliveries using First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory practices.
• Monitor food inventory and communicate purchasing needs to administration.
• Prepare approved meal substitutions for children with documented food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen, including daily cleaning and sanitizing of food preparation areas, equipment, refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas.
• Wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, cookware, and kitchen utensils.
• Follow all Wonder Academy health, safety, sanitation, confidentiality, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate professionally with administrators, teachers, and families regarding food-related questions when appropriate.
• Assist with special events and meal preparation as requested.
• Work collaboratively with the administrative and teaching teams to create a positive experience for children each day.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in food service, school nutrition, childcare, or commercial kitchen operations preferred.
• Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation procedures, and kitchen safety practices.
• Experience with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines is preferred but not required.
• ServSafe Food Handler or Food Protection Manager certification preferred (or willingness to obtain if requested by Wonder Academy).
• Must obtain a North Carolina Child Care Criminal Background Qualification Letter.
• Must complete a Health Assessment and Tuberculosis (TB) Screening as required by North Carolina child care licensing.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Dependable, professional, and passionate about supporting children's health and nutrition.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to bend, reach, lift, push, and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work comfortably in warm kitchen environments.
• Ability to perform routine cleaning, sanitizing, and stocking duties.

Why Join Wonder Academy?

At Wonder Academy, every team member plays an important role in helping children learn and thrive. As our Preschool Cook, you'll do more than prepare meals—you'll help fuel curiosity, learning, and healthy development each day while working alongside a supportive and caring team.

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
• Monday–Friday daytime schedule
• Weekends and most major holidays off
• Health Insurance
• Supplemental Benefits
• 401(k) with company 4% match
• Supportive leadership team
• Professional development opportunities
• Positive, collaborative workplace culture