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Child Care Center Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Fort Mill, SC · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Swartz Creek, MI · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Duluth, GA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to ...

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Child Care Center Cook information

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How much do child care center cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for child care center cook in the United States is $14.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child care center cook?

Child Care Center Cooks are professionals responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks to children in a child care or daycare setting. They ensure that food is cooked safely, meets nutritional standards, and accommodates any dietary restrictions or allergies. In addition to cooking, they often handle menu planning, kitchen cleanliness, and inventory management. Their role is vital in promoting healthy eating habits and supporting the overall well-being of children in their care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child care center cook?

To thrive as a Child Care Center Cook, you need knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and meal preparation, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant food handler certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and state or local health regulations is also essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff and children help set exceptional cooks apart. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safe preparation of nutritious meals that meet regulatory standards and support children's health and well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by a child care center cook, and how can they be managed?

Child Care Center Cooks often face the challenge of preparing nutritious meals that meet dietary guidelines while accommodating allergies and picky eaters. Managing large quantities within tight schedules and maintaining strict food safety standards are also key responsibilities. Effective communication with child care staff helps ensure meals align with daily activities and individual needs. Staying organized, planning menus in advance, and staying updated on food safety regulations can help overcome these challenges and create a positive dining experience for children.

What is the difference between Child Care Center Cook vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectChild Care Center CookPreschool Teacher
CredentialsFood handler permits, basic culinary trainingEarly childhood education certification or degree
Work EnvironmentKitchen and food prep areas within child care centersClassroom settings with young children
Employer & Industry UsageChild care facilities, daycare centersPreschools, early education programs
Common Search & ComparisonChild Care Center Cook vs Preschool Teacher

The Child Care Center Cook primarily focuses on preparing nutritious meals for children in a daycare setting, requiring food safety certifications. In contrast, a Preschool Teacher is responsible for educating and caring for children, often holding early childhood education credentials. While both roles work within child care environments, their daily tasks and required qualifications differ significantly.

More about Child Care Center Cook jobs

What states have the most Child Care Center Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Child Care Center Cook jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Child Care Center Cook jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Care Center Cook jobs are:

Child Care Center Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Care Center Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,643 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Child Care Center Cook

BrightPath Early Learning & Child Care

Elma, NY • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Center: Elma East, NY

Pay: $16.00- $18.00 per hour

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time

No evenings or weekends!

Build your career in the early childhood education field and become a valued member of our team at BrightPath Kids, formerly Imagination Station! As a proud member of BrightPath Kids and Busy Bees global childcare community, we offer exceptional opportunities for your career to thrive. Join our diverse community of over 5,000 dedicated employees, and experience competitive pay and benefits, including a childcare discount. With our rapid growth, now is the perfect time to apply and shape an extraordinary future with us. Unleash your potential and join BrightPath Kids today!

What will you be doing?

As a Center Cook, you will prepare nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the children in our care. You will be responsible for cleaning the kitchen area when you are finished.
When you are not preparing food, serving meals, or cleaning, we would love for you to work in the classrooms to assist our teachers. While this is not a must, preference will be given to candidates who are willing to work in the classroom. Cooks who do not have classroom responsibilities will be scheduled less hours per week than someone who works in both the kitchen and classroom.

Top Reasons to join BrightPath Kids:

• We offer a generous child care discount to ALL employees so that your family can take advantage of our great learning environment!
• All of our staff receive weekly paychecks.
• All staff are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program which offers a company match – this is free money!
• We will support your long-term career goals by offering opportunities for professional development.
• Full-time staff accrue paid time off in their first year.
• Full-time staff are offered health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.

Requirements:
• High School Diploma or equivalent required 
• 1+ years of food preparation experience preferred
• ServSafe Food Handler certification preferred 
• Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) experience preferred 
• Ability to work within regular operating hours 
• Must meet state criteria for child care employment
If this sounds like a good fit, we want to meet you! Please submit your application today.
 

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