Nursey​/Preschool Chef

Company: Leaf Spring School at Ballantyne

Location: Charlotte, NC 28277

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive Pay | Based on Experience

Industry: Early Childhood Education | Food Service | Child Nutrition

At Leaf Spring Schools, we go beyond traditional child care. We create nurturing environments where children grow, learn, and thrive — and that starts with healthy, delicious meals prepared with care.

We’re currently seeking a Preschool Chef to lead our school kitchen and support the health and wellness of our students through nutritious, balanced, and child‑friendly meals each day.

If you love cooking from scratch, enjoy working in a positive school environment, and want to make a daily difference in children’s lives, we’d love to meet you!

• Paid time off and holidays
  , including your birthday!
• Work‑life balance is a priority: no evening or weekend shifts.
• Heavily discounted tuition and free access to the Get Well Place for your own child when ill
• Paid training and continuing education opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement for professional development
• Meals provided daily
• Positive,
  team‑driven culture focused on collaboration and learning

The Preschool Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks that support children’s growth and development. This role oversees daily kitchen operations, ensures food safety and sanitation compliance, and creates a welcoming, engaging food experience for students and staff.

• Prepare and serve healthy lunch, and snacks daily
• Follow CACFP guidelines and meet state and local health regulations
• Plan balanced, child‑friendly menus that meet nutritional standards
• Manage food ordering, inventory, and kitchen budget
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment
  
  Follow allergy protocols and accommodate special dietary needs
• Ensure proper food storage, preparation, and portion control
• Model healthy eating habits and positive mealtime experiences for children
• Collaborate with teachers and leadership to support special events and celebrations
• Participate in inspections, licensing visits, and quality assurance processes

• Experience cooking in a school, childcare, or commercial kitchen preferred
• Associates or Bachelors Degree
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and nutrition standards
• Ability to plan menus and prepare meals for large groups
• Serv Safe certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Dependable, positive, and team‑oriented
• A genuine passion for working around young children

• School or daycare cook
• Childcare food service or institutional kitchen experience
• Food service certification

If you’re a caring and reliable chef looking to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives through healthy meals and positive food experiences, this is your opportunity to join a supportive, innovative team dedicated to whole‑child wellness.

Apply now to become the next Preschool Chef at Leaf Spring Schools!