School Chef

About SAGE PREP
At SAGE PREP, we believe young children are capable of more than the world often expects of them, and that a great day of learning starts with a great meal. Our scholars count on nutritious, delicious food served on time, every time, and our kitchen is a vital part of how we care for them.
Who You Are
First and foremost, you love children. You take pride in knowing that the meals you prepare help our scholars grow, focus, and thrive. You are a skilled cook who moves confidently around the kitchen, multitasks with ease, and stays organized under pressure. You follow menus and instructions with precision, keep your kitchen spotless, and never cut corners on food safety. You are flexible when schedules or menus change, and you carry yourself with professionalism every day.
What You’ll Do
Meal Preparation and Cooking
• Prepare meals according to pre-approved menus, following portion control, nutritional guidelines, and CACFP meal pattern requirements
• Use a variety of cooking techniques to create high-quality, flavorful, and visually appealing dishes
• Follow all documented food allergy and dietary restrictions for each scholar

Safety and Sanitation
• Keep the kitchen, food preparation areas, and dining spaces clean and sanitary at all times
• Follow food safety and sanitation standards, including proper food storage, labeling, handling, and temperature control
• Complete required daily logs, including temperature checks and cleaning records

Inventory and Supplies
• Monitor kitchen inventory to keep ingredients and supplies stocked
• Promptly report shortages or equipment malfunctions to management

Timely Delivery
• Prepare and deliver meals and snacks on schedule to align with the school day and meal times

Recordkeeping
• Accurately complete CACFP production records and meal documentation each day

Team Collaboration
• Work closely with kitchen staff and school team members to meet daily meal service goals
• Support special events and school functions that require catering

Menu Development
• Offer ideas for menu adjustments that incorporate seasonal ingredients and keep meals varied and appealing

Engagement with Scholars
• Create a warm, welcoming dining experience for our scholars
• Engage with scholars respectfully while serving meals and encourage healthy eating habits

Flexibility and Professionalism
• Adapt to changes in the menu, schedule, or procedures as directed by school leadership
• Maintain a professional demeanor and uphold SAGE PREP’s values and mission

What You Bring
Required
• A genuine love for children
• Flexibility and a positive, professional attitude
• Proven experience as a chef or cook
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure
• Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and fingerprinting
• Ability to obtain all required health and safety certifications

Preferred
• Experience cooking in a school or childcare setting
• Experience with CACFP or other USDA child nutrition programs
• Knowledge of child nutrition and meal portioning
• ServSafe Food Manager or Food Handler certification

Ready to Join Our Kitchen?
If you are passionate about cooking and want to make a real difference in children’s lives, we would love to have you on our team. Apply today!