YMCA of Cape Breton

Full-Time Permanent

Weekdays

Description

Title: Early Learning Centre Cook 

Reports to: Director of Early Learning Centre

Position Status: Full-time, Permanent

Salary Range: $25.61 to $31.07 per/ hour

Start Date: August 10, 2026

Office Locations: Sydney, NS

Play a vital role in creating healthy, nutritious, and enjoyable meals that fuel children's growth, learning, and development.  We are hiring a Cook for our Early Learning Centre in Sydney.

 Position Summary

 Reporting to the Centre Director, the Childcare Cook will prepare nutritious snacks and meals for the children of the YMCA Child Care Centre and obtain the appropriate items needed to meet the weekly menu keeping in mind the centre’s food budget as indicated by the Director.

This position is considered an integral component to helping build strong kids and strong families in a safe, efficient and welcoming environment.

 Responsibilities

•  Preparing nutritious meals and snacks for the children.
• Creating and following 4-week menu according to the Nova Scotia Manual
• for Food and Nutrition in Regulated Childcare Settings Ordering appropriate food and supplies needed from appropriate delivery company
• Obtaining appropriate food items and supplies from the grocery store and varioussupplies using own vehicle
• Light to moderate physical duties i.e. standing for long periods of time, kneeling, pickingup of children/bulk food supplies etc.
• Responsible for light cleaning and organization of kitchen.
• Work in ratio with children.
• Communicate effectively concerns and suggestions openly to co-workers and the Director.
• To work as a team member and contribute to monthly staff meetings.
• Keep up to date with staffing information and the childcare department’s policies including behavior guidance, as well as attend workshops and training as requested by the Director.
• Maintain physical and mental health suitable for contact with young children
• Maintain current first aid and CPR certification.
• Maintain an updated Food Handler’s Course
• Carry out any additional duties as requested by the Director
• Attend mandatory YMCA Playing to Learn Training
•  Maintain a professional image ensuring confidentiality, discretion, initiative, flexibility and a positive role model for children, parents and co-workers.
• Be aware of centre policies and procedure and communicate them to others

 Qualifications

•  Experience in working with children
• Food Handler’s Course
• Experience cooking in a licensed childcare centre an asset
• Broad knowledge of the Nova Scotia Day Care Act and Regulations including the Manual for Food and Nutrition in Regulated Child Care Settings;
• CPR and First Aid certificates;
• WHMIS training
• Acceptable Criminal record check and child abuse register;
• Must have a strong collaborative work ethic, ability to work as part of a team
• Experience and sensitivity in dealing with diverse children and families, including people of different cultural and racial backgrounds, visible and invisible dimensions of diversity.
• Must be willing to attend Childcare Orientation  (30-hour training).

 Note: Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check/ Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check. They will also be required to attend YMCA Child Protection Training, as well as successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

 We offer

•  Participation in Comprehensive Group Benefits and Pension Plan
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Strong Work Life Balance Programs (15 Days Paid Vacation, 11 Wellness Days per year)
• Employee and Family YMCA Membership
• Discounted Childcare and Program Rates
• We are an AIP designated employer