Child Care Cook - Full Time

Position Overview

The YMCA of Three Rivers is hiring a full-time, permanent Child Care Cook for the SERC YMCA Child Care site in Stratford-Perth, Ontario. This role supports children from 0 to 12 years old by planning, preparing, purchasing, and serving healthy snacks and meals that meet nutritional needs and align with childcare standards.

Work Schedule

This role is scheduled for 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday, with shifts that may fall anywhere between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Compensation

The starting pay for this position is $21.50 per hour.

What the Role Involves

You will help maintain a safe, high-quality childcare environment by ensuring meals and snacks are prepared and served on time, including for children with allergies or food intolerances. The position requires strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage time well in a fast-paced setting. You should be comfortable working both as part of a team and independently with limited supervision.

Required Background

Candidates should have at least a minimal high school diploma, a valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certificate before the first working day, a Food Handler Certificate, current immunizations required by Public Health, and knowledge of food safety practices in the workplace. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and legally allowed to work in Canada.

Physical Demands

The role involves frequent light to medium physical effort, including lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending, stooping, and picking up a child.

Benefits and Total Rewards

Full-time employees receive a benefits package focused on well-being, including vacation time, sick/self-care days, bereavement leave, pension eligibility, health coverage, and staff perks through the YMCA.

• 3 weeks of vacation at the start of employment, with additional vacation available as service increases
• 12 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, earned as they are accrued
• Bereavement leave
• Eligibility for the group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment, with employee contributions matched at 5% of gross earnings per pay; pension participation becomes mandatory after three consecutive years of full-time service
• Comprehensive benefits beginning 3 months after the start date, including prescription drugs, basic dental care, paramedical services, and vision coverage
• Free Employee and Family Assistance Program with confidential counselling and support resources
• Complimentary YMCA membership for the employee and family
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

Safeguarding and Hiring Conditions

Employment offers are conditional on a current Vulnerable Sector Check and reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are assessed individually, and any record is considered in relation to the duties of working with children. Renewals are required every three years.

Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

The organization is committed to Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Applications are encouraged from Black, Indigenous, and racialized people; 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals; gender-diverse people; people with diverse abilities; members of ethnic minorities and faith groups; foreign-born residents; and veterans. The hiring process will not discriminate on prohibited grounds, and accommodations are available throughout recruitment upon request.

Privacy and Application Notice

Personal information is handled in accordance with the Employment Standards Act, pay equity requirements, and privacy laws. Because of the high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About the Organization

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization serving Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. Its mission is to help build healthier, stronger, and more connected communities through programs and services delivered with dignity and respect.