The Early Childhood Kitchen Worker plays an essential role in supporting the health, well‑being, and daily routines of the school community. This position requires reliability, warmth, patience, and a commitment to serving children and staff with care. Reporting to the School Principal, the Pre‑K Kitchen Worker ensures that all meals and snacks are prepared and served in alignment with health, safety, and food service regulations while contributing to a welcoming and respectful school environment.
The Pre‑K Kitchen Worker helps maintain an orderly, clean, and joyful kitchen and dining environment. They model courteous behavior, support independence, and contribute to the calm, respectful atmosphere that is foundational to City Garden Montessori’s values and anti‑bias/anti‑racist pedagogy.
Responsibilities
Support Daily Meal Preparation and Service
- Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and aftercare snacks in a courteous, customer‑service–oriented manner
- Follow written and oral instructions for food portioning and preparation
- Monitor and record food and equipment temperatures throughout the day
- Ensure all food handling and preparation practices meet health, safety, and sanitation standards
- Exhibit respectful, positive interactions with students and staff
- Maintain behavior expectations aligned with City Garden’s values, including:
- independence
- responsibility
- grace and courtesy
- respect for others
- care of environment
- care of self
- community building
Assist in Maintaining the Kitchen and Dining Environment
- Set up and break down serving areas before and after meal periods
- Turn on, test, and monitor kitchen equipment at the start of each day
- Receive daily food deliveries, check temperatures immediately, and rotate inventory
- Wash dishes and clean kitchen areas daily, including sweeping and mopping
- Maintain a neat, clean, and safe workspace at all times
- Replenish supplies and materials as needed
- Participate in formal and informal training related to food safety and school procedures
- Demonstrate knowledge of sanitation practices; ServSafe certification required
- Maintain temperature logs, cleaning logs, and other required records
- Support inventory tracking and supply management
- Communicate observations related to food service, safety, or student needs with appropriate staff
Related Duties
- Take an active role in supporting City Garden as a community‑centered institution
- Participate in staff meetings, school events, and trainings as requested
- Maintain confidentiality of student and staff information
- Demonstrate professionalism and positive communication with students, families, and colleagues
- Participate in school functions when requested by the Principal, including but not limited to:
- Open Houses
- Curriculum Nights
- Parent Orientations
- Family Field Day
- Read and adhere to all guidelines and policies outlined in the employee handbook
Environment
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an indoor kitchen and school environment, with regular interaction in dining areas and occasional support in other school spaces. The role requires being present during meal periods and supporting food service throughout the day.
Physical Demands
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to walk, bend, reach, lift, carry, push, and pull
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to work with cleaning chemicals
- Ability to assist with physical tasks related to kitchen operations
- Ability to operate standard kitchen equipment
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.
Requirements:
Requirements
- ServSafe certification (required)
- Experience in food service, kitchen operations, or similar roles preferred
- Ability to work cooperatively and effectively under the direction of others
- Ability to adapt to the changing needs of children and the school environment
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to maintain emotional control in a fast‑paced environment
- Commitment to equity and anti‑bias/anti‑racist principles
- Strong communication skills and a positive, professional demeanor