Job Description

Job Title: Cook

JOB SUMMARY

The Cook is responsible for the planning, preparation and cooking of nutritious menus, according to the Canada Food Guide. This position calls for sound knowledge and experience in the preparation of meals for young children.

The Cook is also responsible for the general cleaning and housekeeping duties of the kitchen.

The Cook works as a member of a professional team in the management of the kitchen and may be required to assist with the supervision of the children when deemed necessary.

The Cook will work in accordance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, the Assessment for Quality Improvement Tool and the regulations and procedures of other legislative bodies and the policies and procedures for the York University Co-operative Daycare Centre.

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Requirements

? A graduate from a recognized college in Nutrition and Food Service Management would be an asset.

Experience Requirements ? Minimum of twelve months of food service experience, preferably cooking for large groups. ? Prior experience working with children is an asset.

Other Requirements ? Current Standard First Aid Certificate and an Infant Child C.P.R. Life Saving Certificate. ? Current Food Handler's Certificate. ? Up to date immunization and health assessment as per the local Minister of Health Requirements. ? A current Vulnerable Sector Screening. _____________________________________________________________________________________ KNOWLEDGE

? Knowledge of the Ministry of Education's Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), the College of Early Childhood Educator's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and the City of Toronto's Assessment for Improvement (AQI) and how these legislative regulations support quality nutritional programs and menu planning in a childcare setting. ? Knowledge of Canada's Food Guide. ? Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

SKILLS

Interpersonal

? Sensitive and mature individuals who can relate positively with both children and adults. ? Works as a member of a team that meets the dietary needs of all the children.

Time Management and Organizational

? Ability to set priorities and keep to schedules. ? Ability to plan and purchase food and supplies within the approved budget.

Communication

? Proven ability to communicate in a pleasant, courteous, and tactful manner. ? Possess a good command of written and verbal English. ? Capable of diplomacy and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive issues. ? Ability to maintain and prepare neat and accurate written records and reports.

Adaptability

? Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while adapting to challenging and conflicting demands. ? Ability to work independently and as a part of a team, exercising initiative and good judgement. ? Ability and willingness to use a variety of Information Technology devices to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. ? Ability to handle emergency situations and maintain control in frustrating situations. ? Ability to carry/lift moderately heavy items. ? Ability to work at the height of the children. ? Ability to stand for extended periods of time. ? Occasional irregular hours and overtime. ? Willingness to work in conditions involving exposure to bodily fluids, infectious disease, frequent high noise levels and inclement weather. ? Willingness to work in an environment which may at times be noisy, hot, humid, and steamy. ? Open to coaching and utilize those suggestions for further development

Professional Judgement ? Ability to use professional judgment. ? Ability to maintain confidentiality of information pertaining to the Centre, staff, and families.

MAJOR DUTIES

A-PLAN AND PREPARE NUTRITIONAL MEALS AND SNACKS AND EVALUATE THEM

Plan nutritional meals and snacks

? Plan menus on a six (6) week rotation cycle, in consultation with a Registered Dietician. MAJOR DUTIES (Cont'd) ? Base menus on a seasonal cyclic menu (Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer) allowing for foods to be offered that are in season. ? Ensure that the menu items are nutritionally balanced and meet the dietary requirements of Canada's Food Guide for each age groups. ? Utilize the childcare nutrition resource Menu Planning & Supportive Nutrition Environments in Child Care Settings - Practical Guide created by the Ontario Dietitians in Public Health in the planning and preparation of healthy food choices for young children. This guide reflects the current best practices for menu planning, food and beverages that should be served, appropriate portion sizes for the different age groups, sample menus as well as strategies to create a supportive nutrition environment. ? Provide alternative food replacements for children with food allergies and/or medical dietary requirements and/or special dietary restrictions. ? Incorporate menu items that are culturally and ethnically diverse. ? Plan a special menu for special events, field trips and/or celebrations. ? Order and purchase food and kitchen supplies within the approved budget.

Prepare nutritional meals and snacks

? Prepare snacks and lunches according to Canada's Food Guide. ? Ensure food supplied is of high quality and wholesome natural ingredients. ? Incorporate Paint Your Plate with Vegetables and Fruit - A Toolkit for Ontario Child Care Providers. This resource outlines colourful ways to make it easier for young children in your care to enjoy vegetables and fruit every day. ? Set up food trolleys for each program.

Evaluate the meals and snacks prepared and served to ensure they meet the individual needs of each child and the needs of the group

? Use the Ontario Dietitians Public Health's Menu and Nutrition Environment Self-Assessment Tool to assess the menus and make recommendations for improvement.

? Assess the menu every time a new menu is planned, and every time changes are made to it.

? Collaborate and work effectively with members of the staffing team to seek input and implement suggestions.

? Participate in assessment meetings. ? Participate in short- and long-term menu planning and evaluation.

B-HEALTH AND SAFETY

Maintain a safe environment for children

? Adhere to safety and emergency procedures in accordance with the policies of the Centre and legislative partners with regards to the safety of children.

? Comply with the Centre's Behaviour Management Policy.

? Consult with the Assistant Director and/or Executive Director about supply needs, broken equipment and/or alterations required to ensure safety. Provide minor repairs when possible.

? Report accident, serious occurrences, and suspicion of abuse to the Assistant Director and/or Executive Director.

? Perform emergency first aid as required.

? Facilitate and participate in Emergency Preparedness Practices (evacuations, fire drills, lock downs, government and non-government mandated closures and pandemics). Maintain a safe kitchen

? Adhere to safety and emergency procedures in accordance with the policies of the Centre and legislative partners with regards to safety in the kitchen.

? Ensure the kitchen and its equipment are regularly maintained, cleaned, and organized to ensure the highest level of safety. Direct and participate in the cleaning and sanitization of the kitchen equipment (stove, refrigerators, freezers, garbage containers, trolleys and any utensils/equipment used in the preparation of food) and storage areas.

? Ensure the safe storage and handling of food and equipment.

? Ensure that existing food supplies are utilized according to nutritional standards.

? Check the temperatures of the refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher and maintain accurate daily records as required.

? Wash and dry dishes, pots, and pans. Store items after cleaning. ? Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

? Report to the Assistant Director/Executive Director of any work-related incidents, injuries and illness, hazards and any unsafe behaviours or conditions (faulty or dangerous equipment and/or conditions).

Maintain a healthy environment for children

? Maintain a healthy environment in accordance with the policies of the Centre and legislative and licensing partners.

? Maintain up to date records of food allergies, medical and dietary requirements, or restrictions. ? Offer a variety of different foods from Canada's Food Guide. Serve new foods along with familiar ones.

? Incorporate a variety of colours, shapes, temperatures, and textures to promote variety.

? Promote and support diversity by including dishes that reflect various cultures.

MAJOR DUTIES (Cont'd)

B-HEALTH AND SAFETY of CHILDREN (Cont'd)

Emotional and Social Well-Being

? Develop menus that offer nutritious options in age-appropriate amounts.

? Plan a nutritious program that supports the children's emotional and social needs during their interactions with their educators.

Physical Needs

? Encourage and assist the children in developing their self-help skills as part of meal experience

C-POSITIVE STAFF, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Staff

? Work collaboratively and co-operatively with other staff to ensure an effective operation.

? Assist program staff with meals and other food related activities.

? Assist with coaching, mentoring, and assigning responsibilities to Volunteers, Student Teachers, Supply and Support Staff and participate in any performance reviews.

? Assist in the planning and implementing of programs for staff development.

? Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings (during or after hours).

? Participate in team meetings with program section (during or after hours).

? Respect staff's privacy and avoid breaking confidence. Parents

? Maintain strong, healthy, professional relationships with parents, including the Executive Parent Board.

? Provide daily feedback through written and verbal communication.

? Act as a resource for parents on eating difficulties, allergies, etc. while maintaining confidentiality.

? Encourage parents to actively participate in the operation of the Centre. ? Respect parents' privacy and avoid breaking confidences. Community

? Maintain and build good community relationships.

MAJOR DUTIES (Cont'd)

D-PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING OPERATION OF THE CENTRE

? Ensure punctuality and consistency in attendance.

? Provide advance notice of necessary absences to the Assistant Director and/or Executive Director.

? Collaborate with Government Personnel to ensure that the specifications of legislative requirements and regulations are met.

? Attend General Meetings and other functions.

? Ensure that all pertinent information is documented in children's and/or kitchen files.

OTHER OCCASIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: These duties or responsibilities are performed by as follows: D for daily, W for weekly, M for monthly, O for Occasional and Y for yearly.

? Perform additional duties as assigned. (D)

? Open and close the Centre (complete security checks). (O)

? Work remotely and virtually from home (menu planning, food & supply orders, emails).(O)

? Identify obsolete and inefficient practices and recommend changes where appropriate. (M)

? Participate in professional development. (M) ? Remain current with new ideas in menu planning. (W)

? Participate in annual performance review processes. (Y)

? Establish and implement goals for personal and professional growth. (Y)

? Display professional conduct and dress. (D)

? Advocate for the child. Treat all children with dignity and respect. (D)

? Maintain accurate records (i.e. health & safety). (O)

? Always maintain kitchen in a clean and organized manner. (O)

? Sweep and mop floors. (O)

? Replenish paper supplies, soap, and disinfectant solution. (W)

? Work with chemical substances contained in cleaning supplies.

? Follow requirements of safety data sheets for chemicals. (D)

Pay Range:

TIER ONE: Employees who began in the bargaining unit prior to January 1, 2019

Tier One Wage Starting rate: $20.60. This position offers group health benefits.

TIER TWO: Employees who began in the bargaining unit after January 1, 2019

Tier Two Wage Starting rate: $21.22. This position offers group health benefits.

Start Date: December 2025

Deadline for submission of a Covering Letter and Resume: November 14, 2025, by noon to daycare@yorku.ca

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $21.22-$22.28 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Work Location: In person