First Place Early Learning Centre Inc., 7 Curtis Street, St. Thomas, Ontario
Term: Part-Time
Hours: 20 hours/week
Schedule: Monday to Friday

Join Our Team!

First Place Early Learning Centre Inc. is seeking a caring, reliable, and organized Dietary Planner Assistant to support the preparation and service of nutritious meals and snacks for children ages 0–5.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Working alongside our Child Care Dietary Planner (Cook), you’ll help create a safe, healthy, and welcoming mealtime experience while maintaining high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and nutrition.

If you enjoy working in a team environment and are passionate about supporting children’s health and well-being, we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation & Benefits:

• $20.00/hour
• Vacation pay
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s health and well-being

What You’ll Do:

• Assist with preparing nutritious meals, snacks, and beverages according to planned menus.
• Help prepare food that accommodates allergies, medical needs, cultural preferences, and religious dietary requirements.
• Portion and organize meals for classroom service.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Wash dishes, sanitize equipment, and assist with daily kitchen cleaning routines.
• Follow safe food handling, infection prevention, and Public Health requirements.
• Support educators by ensuring meals and supplies are ready for children.
• Follow all procedures related to food allergies, anaphylaxis, and special dietary needs.
• Work collaboratively with the Dietary Planner and the centre team.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for children, families, and staff.

Applicants must have:

• OSSD or equivalent.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification.
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the employer (issued within six months prior to employment).
• Up-to-date immunization documentation as required.
• Legal authorization to work in Canada.

The following are considered assets:

• Food Handler Certification.
• Experience working in a child care, school, institutional, or commercial kitchen.
• Knowledge of Canada’s Food Guide, food allergies, safe food handling, and sanitation practices.
• Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and applicable Public Health requirements.

We’re Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Organized and dependable.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Friendly, respectful, and professional.
• Able to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to providing nutritious meals while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.
• Passionate about creating an inclusive environment where every child and family feels welcome.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the ability to:

• Lift up to 20 kg (44 lbs.).
• Stand for extended periods.
• Bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive food preparation and cleaning tasks.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment in a busy child care environment.

About First Place Early Learning Centre Inc.:

First Place Early Learning Centre Inc. is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and high-quality early learning environment where children are respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in everything we do.

First Place Early Learning Centre Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

How to Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience to: info@firstplaceelc.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.