Substitute Preschool Chef in Charleston, SC

Summary

The Substitute Preschool Chef is responsible for supporting the daily food service operations of the childcare center in the absence of the regular Culinary Technician or Chef. This role ensures that nutritious meals and snacks are prepared, served, and documented in compliance with all applicable health, safety, sanitation, and childcare food program regulations. The Substitute Preschool Chef maintains a clean, organized kitchen environment, follows approved menus and portion requirements, and supports the overall health and well-being of children by providing safe and timely meal service.

This position requires reliability, flexibility, and the ability to step into the kitchen role with minimal disruption to operations. The Substitute Preschool Chef must be able to follow established procedures, maintain accurate meal counts and records, and communicate effectively with administration and staff to ensure smooth kitchen operations during staff absences.

Duties

• Preparing breakfast, lunch and snack according to planned menu
• Assures all meals are served according to planned schedule
• Marks menu with revisions as needed
• Take out Kitchen trash/recyclables
• Cleans dishes, cups and appliances daily
• Learn and follow CACFP and DSS Regulations
• Making sure the cups of young learners are labeled at all times
• Take inventory of food items, milk inventory at month end
• Cleaning, sanitization and organization of kitchens
• Unloading of food items delivered and checking against purchase order
• Adhering to allergy plans
• Other duties as deemed necessary:
• Preparing meals for field trips
• Preparing food tastings for classrooms

Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in food service, childcare, school nutrition, or institutional kitchen settings preferred.
• Experience working with young children or in an early childhood environment is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of meal preparation, food safety, and kitchen sanitation practices required.
• Experience with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) or similar nutrition programs is preferred but not required.

Licensing, Certifications, and Compliance

• Must be able to pass all required background checks in accordance with state childcare licensing regulations.
• Must obtain and maintain current food safety or food handler certification (or be willing to obtain within a specified timeframe, such as 30 days of hire).
• Must complete required childcare health and safety training as required by state regulations and center policy.
• Must comply with all Department of Social Services (DSS), health department, and childcare licensing regulations.
• Must follow all center policies related to food safety, sanitation, allergies, and safe food handling.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to follow written menus, recipes, and portion requirements accurately.
• Ability to prepare meals and snacks according to scheduled meal times with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment at all times.
• Ability to accurately complete required meal counts, production records, and kitchen documentation.
• Ability to work independently and step into the role with little notice when coverage is needed.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with administration and classroom staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a childcare setting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30–40 pounds (food boxes, milk crates, supplies, etc.).
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and move safely within a kitchen environment.
• Ability to tolerate heat, cold, and typical kitchen conditions.

Work Expectations

• Must be reliable, punctual, and available to work on short notice when needed.
• Must be flexible with scheduling, including early morning hours for breakfast preparation.
• Must follow all health and safety procedures, including handwashing, sanitation, and proper food storage.
• Must support a positive, safe, and healthy environment for children and staff.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for additional hours when coverage is needed for staff absences, vacations, or increased enrollment.

Health and Financial Benefits

Eligible employees may receive access to the following benefits in accordance with company policy and eligibility requirements:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation and sick leave
• Holiday Pay (for eligible employees)

Professional Development

• Ongoing training in food safety, sanitation, and childcare health and safety practices.
• Opportunities to participate in professional development and center-based training.
• Support for maintaining required certifications and compliance with licensing standards.

Work-Life and Team Benefits

• Supportive, team-oriented work environment focused on the health and well-being of children.
• Flexible scheduling based on center needs.
• Opportunity for advancement into permanent or full-time positions as they become available.
• Access to meals and snacks during scheduled shifts, in accordance with center policy.
• Recognition for dependable service and commitment to quality care.

About Us

Our organization prides itself on excellence, our mission is to care, assist, reach and educate all children using the most creative and effective means of teaching. Children are our business and we love what we do! When you consider a career at C.A.R.E. Academy, know you will be joining a team that is passionate about thoroughly preparing their students to become lifelong learners. In a Teacher, we look for committed individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families, while effectively and efficiently running all their classrooms.