Childcare Cook

Company: Tierra Encantada
Location: Rochester
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description About Tierra Encantada Tierra Encantada is the leader in Spanish immersion early education and provides high-quality language immersion education to children ages 6 weeks through 6 years of age. Our corporate and franchise centers are expanding through regional and national growth. At Tierra Encantada, our values fuel everything we do. We are passionate about nurturing children's growth and creating intentional learning environments that inspire curiosity and development. We celebrate the richness of diversity, embracing the unique perspectives it brings to our community. Guided by optimism, we are driven by a shared vision for a brighter future for every child, family, and team member we serve. Join us and be part of a mission-driven team that is committed to making a lasting impact-one child, one family, and one community at a time. Key Responsibilities Prepare daily meals for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years using approved recipes and menus, adhering to food handling and safety standards. Follow allergen protocols and adjust meals as directed by the Head Cook for children with special dietary needs, ensuring compliance with dietary accommodations. Assist in inventory management by monitoring supplies, minimizing waste, and maintaining accurate record-keeping under the Head Cook's guidance. Ensure adherence to the meal program, including portion sizes, nutritional guidelines, and compliance with applicable regulations. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, adhering to local health codes and industry standards. Exhibit a positive and friendly attitude with families, supporting children's growth through proper nutrition. Maintain required certifications and complete annual training on allergens and food safety topics. Support the kitchen team with general food operations, including meal preparation, cleanup, and dishwashing. Assist in maintaining the overall cleanliness of the center and support classroom staff by covering breaks as needed. Collaborate with HQ teams as directed by the Head Cook, ensuring effective communication and alignment with center goals. Prepare daily meals for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years of age using approved recipes and menus and adhering to food handling and safety standards Stay well trained in allergens and adjust meals as possible for children with special dietary needs Help maintain a clean kitchen adhering to local health codes industry standards Maintain a positive, friendly attitude with families, and be a "team-mate" to parents in supporting their child's growth Maintain certifications and take annual trainings on Allergens Assist with handling orders, manage inventory and maintain record keeping Assist with general food operations, including meal prep, cleanup, and dishwashing Other duties as assigned Position Requirements Qualified candidates will truly love cooking and enjoy spending their time around children. Qualified candidates will fulfill the following requirements: At least two years of cooking experience in a restaurant, hotel, hospital, childcare, or other high volume or institutional setting Basic knowledge of USDA guidelines and food preparation Certified Food Protection Manager required Prefer conversational Spanish skills Strong communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with families and co-workers. Provide a certificate of completion of an approved pediatric first aid and CPR training within 90 days of hire. Employees are responsible for renewing and maintaining a valid, current CPR and pediatric first aid certification at all times. Must have a respect for diversity and recognize that diversity makes our program better Must have the ability to fulfill annual training requirements Physical ability to perform essential job functions without health restrictions. This includes the ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time, to have unrestricted use of the upper and lower body, hearing and vision within normal ranges to be able to adequately ensure the children's safety, to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, to chase a fleeing child, to join children's play actively, and the ability to bend, squat, kneel, reach, and climb stairs. Our ideal candidate is patient, flexible, a team player, hard-working, organized, friendly, motivated, and has great communication skills. Compensation & Benefits This non-exempt position has an hourly pay range of $16.37 - $23.26 per hour depending on qualifications, education, and experience. Benefits for full-time employees include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, 12 paid holidays, 80 hours paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, and discounted childcare. Once a job offer has been accepted, the candidate must pass a background check and fingerprinting. E-verify is used to verify work authorization status. Job Type: Full-time or Part-time Nonexempt Pay: $16.37 - $23.26 per hour Schedule: Monday to Friday Work Location: In person / Onsite

Keywords: Tierra Encantada, Rochester , Childcare Cook, Hospitality & Tourism , Rochester, Minnesota