Envision, Inc.

Early Childhood Food and Support Assistant

Farmers Branch, TexasFull-time
About the Job
Description:
Working at Envision means having a job that’s more than just a way to make money. It's a job that makes a difference.

We offer team members:
  • Careers with purpose.
  • Teamwork environment.
  • Amazing 401K Retirement Plan.
  • Envision Paid Life Insurance.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA Plans.
  • 10 Paid Holidays.
  • PTO & Vacation.
  • Tuition Reimbursement.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Responsible for preparation, serving and clean-up of daily lunch for children attending a child development center.  Serve as fill-in for teaching assistants in the classrooms as needed.
  
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:
  • Prepare and serve nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children enrolled in the Child Development Center, following established menus, portion requirements, and meal-service schedules.
  • Ensure all food and beverages are prepared, handled, stored, and served in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations; Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements; and Envision policies and procedures.
  • Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and well-organized kitchen environment, including the proper cleaning and storage of dishes, utensils, equipment, food items, and supplies.
  • Plan for and purchase food, kitchen supplies, and other materials necessary to maintain consistent and uninterrupted food-service operations.
  • Monitor food and supply inventory, anticipate program needs, minimize waste, and ensure the proper storage and rotation of products.
  • Collaborate with the Center Administrator to develop weekly menus that meet CACFP meal-pattern requirements and support the nutritional needs of enrolled children.
  • Maintain complete and accurate documentation of food and non-food purchases, menus, meal-service information, and other records required for CACFP reimbursement, regulatory compliance, audits, and applicable ECDC contracts.
  • Track, compile, and submit required menu and food-service information to support compliance with CACFP and all other regulatory agencies and contracts applicable to ECDC operations.
  • Serve as an active member of the classroom support team by working directly and regularly with students across classroom settings, rather than functioning exclusively as a kitchen or food-service position.
  • Provide scheduled and as-needed classroom assistance to support teaching staff, maintain required staff-to-child ratios, and ensure continuity of care throughout the day.
  • Engage directly with students during classroom activities, routines, transitions, meals, rest periods, indoor and outdoor play, and other daily programming while promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.
  • Assist teaching staff with the implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and provide supervision and guidance consistent with each child’s individual needs and abilities.
  • Model positive and effective adult-child interactions and support students’ social-emotional development, independence, participation, and appropriate behavior.
  • Assist with classroom organization, sanitation, material preparation, and other responsibilities necessary to maintain a safe, welcoming, and effective learning environment.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with administrators, teachers, staff members, and students to coordinate food service, classroom coverage, student needs, and daily center operations.
  • Maintain flexibility in daily work assignments, recognizing that time may be divided between food-service responsibilities and direct classroom support based on the operational and staffing needs of the Center.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned in support of students, classrooms, and the overall operation of the Child Development Center.

Qualifications:

JOB REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
Experience: Previous experience in production or commercial cooking required; previous experience with Child Care Food Program requirements and documentation, and/or working in day care center preferred.
 
Knowledge/Skills:
  • Basic knowledge of early childhood food preparation and nutrition.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students and staff.
  • Skills in patience and remaining calm under pressure.
 
Licenses/Certifications:
  • Must maintain a current food handler’s certification.
  • Must receive CACFP Food Safety Basics training.
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification required within 30 days of hire.  
  • Obtain 30 clock hours of relevant early childhood in-service training per year. 
 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Total Number of Employees Directly Supervising: 0.
  • Number of Subordinate Supervisors Reporting to Position: 0.
 
VISION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE
Can be performed with or without assistive technology:
  • Required to perform activities such as: preparing/analyzing data/figures; viewing a computer screen; reading; inspecting small objects for defects; using measuring devices; and/or assembling parts with close eye contact.
  • Required to perform activities such as: operating machinery and/or power tools at or within arm’s reach; performing non-repetitive tasks such as carpentry work or repairing machinery.
  • Required to review/inspect own assigned work, the work of others, or facilities or structures.
 
Requires normal (or corrected to normal) vision/acuity:
Required to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment such as forklifts.
 
COMMENTS:
Envision, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 
Envision, Inc. employs and advances in employment individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, and does not discriminate on the basis of disability or veteran status in its hiring or employment practices. 
Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position. 
“To improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research."
Envisions Core Values are the authentic, unwavering principals that define and support our culture.   
  • Integrity. 
  • Curiosity. 
  • Passion.
  • Initiative.
  • Teamwork.
  • Excellence.