As a Food Service Assistant at Bezos Academy, you’ll help provide nutritious, compliant meals to children at our Montessori-inspired preschool and provide direct support with a variety of additional tasks both in and out of the classroom. You will manage all aspects of food preparation and service with strong attention to detail, organization, and adherence to safety protocols. Key responsibilities include preparing CACFP-compliant menus, placing food orders and managing food costs, receiving and verifying food deliveries, ensuring all meals are delivered to classrooms on time, and managing all clean-up, organization, and documentation. Assuming full ownership of the kitchen and food operations at the school, you will serve meals in accordance with USDA requirements, Bezos Academy policies, and local childcare regulations.

Beyond the kitchen, you will assist school staff and administration with a variety of tasks including inventory checks, laundry, and other ad hoc duties. As needed, you will also occasionally step into classrooms to provide direct supervision and support to the children. You will become an integral part of your school team working to improve processes and provide an excellent preschool experience where we nurture every child’s full potential.

LOCATIONS & START DATE

We are actively hiring for a Food Service Assistant for our preschool in Centralia (415 N Pearl St, Centralia, WA 98531).

SCHEDULE, BENEFITS, & COMPENSATION

School schedules vary depending on community needs but generally range from 7:30am-5:30pm. You will work an 8-hour shift within this timeframe Monday through Friday. Your specific schedule will be determined with your school leader when considering all staff, student, and community needs.
This is a full-time (40 hours per week), benefits-eligible, non-exempt/hourly position.
Compensation for this position is $19-28 per hour (~$39,000 - $58,000 annually). The upper third of the compensation range is typically reserved for existing employees who have been in the role for multiple years and demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting compensation will vary by qualifications and prior experience.
This role includes 32 paid days of scheduled breaks, 3 paid days of personal time off, 9 paid days of sick (care) time, 10 paid holidays, and additional time off if required by applicable law. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care, and more. Please see here for details.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Age 18 with high school diploma or GED
Ability to pass background checks and complete all trainings required by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families upon hire
Knowledge of cooking methods and procedures, including various types of preparation
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods of time, and perform a variety of repetitive tasks to prepare and serve food safely
Experience working in an institutional or highly regulated kitchen/food setting with a clear understanding of food preparation best practices and protocols
Active and current food worker card
Understanding of Washington food and beverage worker manual
Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working within the guidelines of the US Department of Agriculture and Child and Adult Care Food Program (USDA/CACFP)
Two or more years of experience working in a school (preschool, early childhood education, daycare, or K-12 environment) or similar kitchen setting
Working knowledge of food allergens, intolerances, preferences, and accommodations
Prior experience as an Assistant Teacher in a preschool setting
Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or two years of post-secondary coursework in Early Childhood Education
Experience with Montessori pedagogy
Experience with children with special needs
Fluent in Spanish

RESPONSIBILITIES

*NOTE: The combination of responsibilities may vary based on the needs of the school site, students, and prior experiences of the Food Service Assistant.

Food Service and Site Operations

Place weekly food orders with the vendor based on student attendance trends and food waste analysis
Receive and verify daily food deliveries to ensure accuracy with order quantities and alignment with the approved menu. If meals are non-compliant, follow the Emergency Food SOP
Manage all aspects of routine vendor performance to ensure the vendor is meeting or exceeding expectations
Ensure all meals served to students are complaint and document any menu changes on menu.
Track food consumption and waste daily to ensure food costs remain as lean and efficient as possible
Prepare and serve meals and utensils to classrooms for each scheduled meal service
Maintain compliance with strict food hygiene and safety protocols at all times
Ensure the kitchen, equipment, serving utensils, cookware, and dishes are consistently cleaned, sanitized, and well-maintained
Manage and organize food inventory, including proper labeling, dating, rotating stock, and discarding items nearing expiration in accordance with food safety guidelines
Record and log food temperatures prior to each meal service to ensure compliance with safety regulations
Accommodate children’s special dietary needs, including allergies, medical restrictions, and cultural or religious food requirements
Assist in serving meals during family engagement and school events as needed

Added responsibilities if food is prepared on-site:

Place weekly groceries orders based on the menu and current inventory
Receive and verify food delivery and follow up with vendor if food delivered is incorrect based on the order or spoiled
Prepare meals according to the planned menu and adapt recipes for dietary restrictions (allergies, religious diets, vegetarian, etc.)
Prepare meals on a schedule (breakfast/lunch/snack)
Adapt the menu (make substitutions) to avoid food spoilage and waste following the Menu Substitution SOP
Help plan menus that are nutritious, budget-friendly, and appealing to students

Added responsibilities if school is under CACFP:

Ensure vendor provides a delivery receipt and keep it for 3 years
Children receive the appropriate portion sizes for each meal pattern component by providing correctly sized serving utensils and clearly communicating the required serving sizes to classroom staff upon meal delivery
Review meal counts for accuracy and upload into SharePoint weekly
If there are any menu substitutions, provide the necessary menu-supporting documentation (CN label, product formulation statement, Nutrition Facts, standardized recipe)
Attend the required annual sponsor CACFP training that includes meal pattern, reimbursement, meal counts, claims, recordkeeping, and civil rights
Clock in/out of Workday based on food-related responsibilities

Classroom Support

Provide classroom coverage as needed
Assist teachers with the full implementation of Bezos Academy’s performance standards, policies, and procedures
Support Bezos Academy classrooms by following regulations and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom (i.e., cleaning materials, meal prep, nap time transitions, etc.)
Organize materials and clean the workspace to facilitate the learning process for each child
Support children’s increasing independence with daily living skills (i.e., washing hands, using the bathroom, eating meals and snacks, cleaning up, etc.)
Provide 1:1 support for children who are experiencing big feelings
Develop positive relationships with children

Other

Assist the Head of School and school staff in other operational duties in the school as necessary when the kitchen work is complete (e.g., support with laundry, front desk support, and other duties as assigned by the Head of School)
Participate in team meetings, center activities, and staff development

Bezos Academy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employee Form I-9 Information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Bezos Academy only uses E-Verify once a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that an employee is authorized to work, Bezos Academy will give the employee written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so the employee can begin to resolve the issue before any adverse employment action is taken. For more information about your right to work, please see the Notice of Right to Work.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are in need of an accommodation to participate in the application process, please reach out to[email protected]. We will work with you to ensure you have a fair opportunity to apply for our open positions.

If you are a current Bezos Academy employee, please use the internal job board to apply.

About the company

Bezos Academy runs tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools for children from low-income families. It operates a network across the United States, funded by Jeff Bezos’s Day One Fund. Schools are open year-round and provide full-day programs that include meals and snacks, with a curriculum built on hands-on, self-directed Montessori learning. The organization partners with community groups to place schools in high-need areas and offers family support services such as parenting classes and financial literacy training. By centralizing high-quality early childhood education in underserved communities, Bezos Academy aims to close the achievement gap between children from low-income families and their higher-income peers.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Seattle, Washington

Founded

2019

Get referred to Bezos Academy

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Bezos Academy Denton opened September 2026 and filled all 120 seats immediately.
Glendale-Sahuaro Glenn opened September 2026, expanding Arizona to five schools across the state.
Louisville Riverport and Centralia opened in 2026, showing strong partner demand for seats.

What critics are saying

Bezos Academy depends on Jeff Bezos gifts; 2025 stock donations fell to nearly $97 million.
Arizona land deals drew Gift Clause litigation in June 2026, risking future partnerships.
If Bezos slows funding, expansion stalls and the network loses operating leverage quickly.

What makes Bezos Academy unique

Bezos Academy operates year-round, full-day, tuition-free Montessori preschool, not half-day childcare.
It partners with universities, cities, and senior communities like TWU Denton and Glencroft.
It funds meals, materials, and staffing centrally, simplifying access for low-income families.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Relocation Assistance

Company News

Fortune

Oct 2nd, 2026

Jeff Bezos opens free preschool in Arizona retirement community for families earning up to $132,000

Jeff Bezos has opened a new tuition-free preschool in Glendale, Arizona, located inside the Glencroft Center for Modern Aging retirement community. The school, part of the Bezos Academy network, offers Montessori-inspired education to children aged 3 to 5. Families earning up to $132,000 annually can qualify, filling a gap between Head Start programmes and unaffordable private options. The campus will expand from four classrooms to five by 2027–28, accommodating 100 students. Bezos Academy now operates more than 40 preschools across six US states. The network is funded through Bezos's personal philanthropy, including approximately $117 million in Amazon stock donations in 2024. The intergenerational model allows retirement community residents to volunteer in classrooms, providing social engagement whilst exposing children to older adults.

Community Impact Newspaper

Sep 3rd, 2026

GALLERY: Bezos Academy Denton celebrates opening with ribbon cutting on TWU campus.

GALLERY: Bezos Academy Denton celebrates opening with ribbon cutting on TWU campus. Published September 3, 2026 at 2:04 p.m. CT Officials from Bezos Academy, Texas Woman's University and the Texas Women's Foundation celebrated the grand opening of Bezos Academy Denton with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 2. What happened? Bezos Academy Denton will offer a Montessori-style curriculum across six classrooms for preschool children ages 3-5. For enrolled families, all tuition costs will be covered by scholarships, including meals, educational materials and other programming. The preschool cost $6 million to build, with $1.5 million coming from the city of Denton, according to previous reporting. It was built on land owned by TWU and is located at 1820 Frame St., which is adjacent to the university's campus. "Texas Woman's has long recognized the financial hardships that many of our student-parents face, particularly when it comes to childcare, and for them this academy is a true game changer," TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten said. "Texas Woman's, Bezos Academy and the city of Denton have a shared mission to develop lifelong learners and leaders by increasing educational access - and this academy will help us achieve that." The first day of classes for the Bezos Academy Denton will be Sept. 8 right after Labor Day. The Denton campus is the largest Bezos Academy in Texas, according to a news release. According to previous reporting, 20% of the seats will be for children of TWU students, faculty and staff. The other 80% of the seats will be reserved for Denton families. The tuition-free school comes at a time when child care cost is an average of $11,000 annually in Texas, similar to in-state college tuition, the release states. "When parents know their children are safe, supported and learning, they're able to focus on goals of their own, whether that's pursuing a degree, building a career or creating new opportunities for their family," said Brandi Kenner, chief learning officer at Bezos Academy. "Thank you to Texas Woman's University, the city of Denton and Texas Women's Foundation for showing what's possible when a community comes together to remove barriers and expand opportunities for children and families. We can't wait to open our doors." What else? Bezos Academy Denton is fully enrolled for fall 2026 following a lottery process. Families interested in future enrollment and eligibility can visit www.bezosacademy.org/eligibility. There are now 12 Bezos Academy locations in Texas, including six in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

LDG Development

Aug 21st, 2026

LDG Development, Bezos Academy, Mayor Greenberg celebrate opening of fourth Louisville preschool.

LDG Development, Bezos Academy, Mayor Greenberg celebrate opening of fourth Louisville preschool. Posted on August 21, 2026 Louisville - Riverport location expands Bezos Academy's local preschool seats to 280 - all offered at no cost to families served. LOUISVILLE, Ky. - LDG Development, Bezos Academy, and Mayor Craig Greenberg today celebrated the opening of Bezos Academy Louisville - Riverport. The preschool marks Bezos Academy's third Louisville location opened in partnership with LDG Development and the Rita June Foundation, and fourth in the metro area overall. The new preschool is located on the campus of LDG's Riverport Landings, an intergenerational affordable housing community that brings seniors, families, and supportive services together in one shared neighborhood. The need for preschool access remains significant in Louisville. According to Metro United Way, 63% of Louisville-area 3- and 4-year-olds are not enrolled in preschool, and just 42.8% of children in Jefferson County enter kindergarten ready to learn. With the addition of Louisville -Riverport, Bezos Academy now offers 280 preschool seats, expanding access to early learning during the years that matter most for development. "Over the past year, Louisville families have shown us just how much they value access to great preschool," said Liz Swanby, Chief Schools Officer at Bezos Academy. "Demand here is higher than anywhere else we operate, with nearly three applications for every seat available. Opening Louisville - Riverport allows us to welcome more children and continue growing alongside the communities we serve." "I'm thrilled that 280 Louisville children now have access to high-quality early learning at no cost to their families," said Mayor Greenberg. "Expanding access to early learning has been a top priority of my administration, and I'm grateful to Bezos Academy, LDG Development, and the Rita June Foundation for helping more children get the strong start they deserve." "We understand that improving access to quality early childhood education is essential to ensuring more children enter school prepared and ready to learn," said Lisa Dischinger, co-founder of LDG Development and chair of the Rita June Foundation. "The addition of Bezos Academy preschools is a game changer and a testament to what can happen when the community comes together to tackle an issue or challenge." Bezos Academy's presence in Louisville is the result of years of collaboration between community leaders, public officials, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic partners. Bezos Academy Louisville - Fairdale was developed in partnership with Louisville Metro Government, while Louisville - Okolona, Louisville - Russell, and Louisville - Riverport were developed in partnership with LDG Development and the Rita June Foundation. To support the construction of the three LDG locations, the Rita June Foundation partnered with Louisville philanthropists to raise almost $8 million. Together, these partnerships have expanded access to preschool opportunities for Louisville families. Bezos Academy offers full-day Montessori-inspired preschool programming designed to help children graduate ready to learn in kindergarten, and beyond. The organization hires and supports educators and provides everything children need during the school day, including meals and snacks. All four preschools are fully enrolled for the 2026-2027 school year, following a lottery process. Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level (approximately $132,000 annually for a family of four) with children ages 3-4 are eligible to apply. To learn more about eligibility or join a waitlist, visit Bezos Academy. About LDG Development. LDG was founded more than 30 years ago based on their belief that everyone deserves a quality place to live. Over the past several decades, the company has created more than 25,000 units across eight states including Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, North Carolina, Ohio Tennessee and Texas. Founded and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company has more than 600 employees working to ensure LDG provides housing residents are proud to call home. About Bezos Academy. Bezos Academy is a nonprofit organization operating a network of full-day preschools at no cost to families served. Through fully funded scholarships, Bezos Academy provides students with all necessary educational supplies and services to set each student up for success, including Montessori materials, books, arts and crafts, field trips and meals. Bezos Academy operates preschools across Arizona, Hawaii, Florida, Kentucky, Texas and Washington.

Community Impact Newspaper

Aug 21st, 2026

Tuition-free Bezos Academy to open on TWU campus in September.

Tuition-free Bezos Academy to open on TWU campus in September. Published August 21, 2026 at 11:06 a.m. CT Updated August 21, 2026 Bezos Academy will celebrate the opening of its Denton campus Sept. 2 with officials from the academy, Texas Woman's University and the city of Denton, according to a news release. The preschool, which will have a Montessori-style curriculum, will start classes exactly one week later. Two-minute impact Bezos Academy Denton will be a tuition-free institution, including meals and materials, that will serve 120 children ages 3-5 across six classrooms. The release states that 20% of the seats will be for children of TWU students, faculty and staff. The other 80% of the seats will be reserved for Denton families. Bezos Academy cost $6 million to construct, with $1.5 million coming from the city of Denton, according to the release. It will open off Frame Street at the corner of East University Drive, adjacent to TWU's campus and on university land. Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, or roughly $132,000 or less for a family of four, are eligible to enroll in the school. Bezos Academy uses a lottery-style system to select students each school year. To be considered for enrollment, families must submit an application and provide proof of age and income eligibility for each child during the school's open enrollment period. The seats already have been filled for the 2026-27 school year at the Denton campus, according to its website. The backstory TWU announced Dec. 6, 2023, that it finalized an agreement with Bezos Academy to house the school on university land. The partnership allows for TWU students, faculty and staff, along with Denton families, to have affordable childcare while allowing TWU early childhood education students to have hands-on classroom experience, according to the December 2023 announcement. Bezos Academy is a nonprofit organization launched by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos that offers cost-free preschool education to eligible families. As of fall 2026, Bezos Academy will have 12 schools open across Texas, including six schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Charter Communications

Aug 21st, 2026

New Bezos Academy opens in Louisville's Riverport community.

New Bezos Academy opens in Louisville's Riverport community. PUBLISHED 3:10 PM ET Aug. 21, 2026 LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A new Bezos Academy location is opening in Louisville's Riverport community, bringing free early education to families in the area. City and school leaders celebrated the opening as the school prepares to welcome 80 children in the coming weeks. The location is the fourth Bezos Academy to open. Liz Swanby, chief of schools for Bezos Academy, said the focus is on what the school will provide for children and families. "At the end of the day, what I know to be true is what really matters is what happens inside this building and the impact the school will have on the children and the families in this community," Swanby said. "Because starting today, this school becomes part of the community." District 1 Metro Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins said bringing the academy to her district is about ensuring families have access to opportunities. "People say, why? I say, why not?" Hawkins said. "You know, this part of town, they deserve the best as well." "When you see things like Bezos Academy in areas like this, it shows you that people are listening to community needs," Hawkins said. For parent Danyea Hickman, the academy has already affected her daughter's learning. Hickman said her daughter has been part of Bezos Academy for a year, starting at the Russell location before moving to the new Riverport site. "It's been an amazing experience," Hickman said. "Between the learning, the hands-on learning, the life skills, the meals, I don't have to worry about too much when she's coming to school." Hickman said the program is helping prepare her daughter for the future. "Invaluable, honestly," Hickman said. "In order for her to be successful, she needs and has to have that sturdy foundation, and Bezos is providing that." Spots at the Riverport location are already filled for this school year. Families interested in future enrollment can learn more about Bezos Academy, including upcoming enrollment opportunities, by visiting its website.

Bezos Academy

Food Service Assistant

About the job

About the company

Get referred to Bezos Academy

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes Bezos Academy unique

Benefits

Company News