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Centre Cook

Location:

Altona Forest P.S. - Pickering

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Work Term:

Contract, 12-18 months, Full Time - 37.5 hours/week​​

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Compensation:

 $20.23/hour *or dependent on current Centre Cook position at Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham

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The Position:

Reporting to the Supervisor of Child Care, you will prepare nutritional and well-balanced meals and snacks for children, 18 months - 12 years old. You will follow menus that reflect Canada Food Guide and children’s interest in preparing healthy meals. Child Care Early Years Act (CCEYA) standards and that are reviewed and approved by a registered dietician ensuring food is meeting each child’s nutritional needs. 

Responsibilities

  • Plans, prepares, and executes menu planning and food preparation for children (including shopping)

  • Manages all inventory of food, kitchen supplies and budget processes

  • Supports diversity, accommodates food restrictions and allergies as required

  • Follows the guidelines as outlined in the Canada Food Guide

  • Adheres to Durham Region Public Health and Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham requirements

  • Ensures family inquiries and concerns are resolved and/or shared with the Supervisor to ensure prompt, professional follow up 

  • Attends and fully participates in all employee orientation, training and meetings as outlined by the Supervisor 

  • Supports in program working with children as required 

Professional Attributes

  • Ability to prepare a variety of fresh, unprocessed meals and snacks

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • Excellent planning and time management skills

  • Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills

  • Professional work ethic and ability to maintain confidentiality

  • Enthusiastic, positive, and fun

Qualifications, Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma, and a minimum of 18 years old 

  • Solid understanding of safe food handling procedures and the Canada’s Food Guide

  • Valid driver’s license and daily access to vehicle

  • Valid up to date Standard First Aid with CPR C and Food Safety Handling Certificate (prior to the start of position)

  • Experience working in a kitchen environment an asset 

  • Experience and ability to work with families within a recreational or licensed childcare setting

What We Offer

  • Competitive wages and benefit package and pension plan

  • Permanent employees receive a 20% discounted rate to enroll their child in our school age and camp programs

  • Permanent employees start with 6% (3 weeks) vacation accumulation, 3 pro-rated floater days and accrue 10 sick days per year 

  • Employer-paid benefits are offered to permanent part time and full-time employees

  • Professional growth and development with regular ongoing performance reviews

  • A fun, diverse and inclusive work environment

Interested?

Submit your cover letter and resume to Olivia Rellinger at careers@schoolhouseplaycare.ca. Please indicate that you are applying for “Altona Forest Centre Cook".

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Internal applicants must submit a performance review from their current supervisor.

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Closing Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

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We thank everyone who has submitted their applications, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Offers of employment are contingent upon a valid Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening issued within 6 months of the date of hire. Schoolhouse Playcare is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting Human Resources.

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