Do you love cooking up delicious meals and making a difference in a child’s day?
Join the YMCA of Oakville as a Cook / Child Care Program Support and be the friendly face behind every healthy bite and helping hand. This is your opportunity to shine—in the kitchen and beyond!
As a Cook / Child Care Program Support, you will play a vital role in supporting the health and development of children by preparing nutritious meals and snacks for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Your responsibilities will include setting up food trolleys, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen space, and ensuring all safe food handling practices are followed. You’ll also be responsible for accommodating dietary needs and allergy restrictions, and for keeping accurate, up-to-date kitchen records.
In addition to your kitchen duties, you'll support the Junior Centre program by covering staff breaks and educator documentation time. In the afternoons, you’ll be actively involved in the junior programs, supporting staff and children, and being counted in ratio as part of the educator team.
Location: St. Bernadette YMCA Child Care Centre, Oakville
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, rotational shifts – must be available from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm (42.5 hours/week)
Salary & Benefits
Competitive pay rate $21.10 per hour (inclusive of provincial and federal grant) and comprehensive benefits
Staff Membership to YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility
Opportunities for career growth and professional development
Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, Public Health regulations, and YMCA of Oakville policies and procedures
Safely store, prepare, and distribute meals/snacks according to food safety standards, allergy requirements, and program schedules
Follow special dietary instructions as provided by parents
Adapt menu items as needed for allergies and dietary needs
Support the delivery of quality programs aligned with YMCA Playing to Learn and Place to Connect curriculums
Maintain an engaging, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for children daily
Plan, order, and purchase food items required for the weekly menu, ensuring availability and quality
Ensures positive, professional communication with families on an ongoing basis, and responds promptly to all requests, queries and concerns
Develops and maintains positive relationships with other YMCA staff and school personnel
Collaborates with other YMCA staff members and volunteers to support effective teamwork
Participates in professional development including staff meetings, workshops and training
Complete administrative tasks as required to support the smooth operation of the program
Essential Requirements
High School Diploma – 18 years or older
Experience working with children and families
Experience preparing food, including preparing for children with allergies, and an awareness of religious and alternative dietary restrictions
Effective teamwork and time management skills
Strong professional relationship and communication skills
Current medical (record of necessary immunizations)
Safe Food Handling Certificate
Valid Standard First Aid and CPR - Level C
Clear criminal reference check which includes vulnerable sector screening
Desirable
• College Diploma in a related field
• Previous experience as a cook or childcare worker
The position requires the following Association Core Competencies: Quality focus, Relationship building and Collaboration, Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, Integrity and Trust, Commitment to Organization Mission, Vision and Values.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position and meet all the above requirements, then click APPLY NOW at the top/bottom of the posting to register/sign in to upload your resume and a cover letter.
The YMCA of Oakville encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Due to a high volume of applications, please note only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
This posting closes on October 2, 2025.
We at the YMCA of Oakville value the diversity of people and communities, and we are committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are an equal opportunity employer. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation or have any questions about the interview process, please let us know.
