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Child Care Cook Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Noblesville, IN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Allergy & Dietary Management: Strictly manage and track documented child food allergies ... healthcare facility preferred. * Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Center Cook

South Bend, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Plus, you're making a difference in a child's life! The Center Cook supports learning, development ... Ensures the safety of the children entrusted in our care * Submit to a criminal background check ...

Center Cook

South Bend, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Plus, you're making a difference in a child's life! The Center Cook supports learning, development ... Ensures the safety of the children entrusted in our care * Submit to a criminal background check ...

Center Cook

South Bend, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Plus, you're making a difference in a child's life! The Center Cook supports learning, development ... Ensures the safety of the children entrusted in our care * Submit to a criminal background check ...

Child Watch hours available free of charge * Certification assistance ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Ensure ... Main Y Location 6:00-8:20am & 3:00-6:00pm Cooks Corner Elementary 6:00-8:20am & 3:00-6:00pm Summer ...

Child Watch hours available free of charge * Certification assistance ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: · ... Cooks Corner Elementary 6:00-8:20am & 3:00-6:00pm Summer hours available through our Summer Camp ...

Full Time Floater

Anderson, IN · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

Kitchen: * counting finger foods * measuring food * delivering food to classrooms * cleaning dishes with a commercial dishwasher * prepping food (cutting fruits and vegetables, simple cooking, etc ...

Dishwasher

Avon, IN · On-site

$17/hr

Bright Horizon - back up child and elder care * Supplemental Insurance (accident, critical illness ... Newly hired cooks will train in a specific station based on their comfort level & innate skill. In ...

Dietary Aide / Evenings

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

This position requires for the care team member to have knowledge of quantity and quality cooking ... Must be at least 18 years of age or older as federal child labor laws do not permit care team ...

Dietary Aide / Evenings

Bloomington, IN

$11.75 - $15/hr

This position requires for the care team member to have knowledge of quantity and quality cooking ... Must be at least 18 years of age or older as federal child labor laws do not permit care team ...

Showing results 41-60

Child Care Cook information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do child care cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for child care cook in Indiana is $14.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $15.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a child care cook do?

A Child Care Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks to children in a childcare setting. They plan menus that meet dietary guidelines and accommodate food allergies or restrictions. In addition to cooking, they maintain kitchen cleanliness, follow food safety regulations, and may assist with inventory and ordering supplies. Their role supports the overall well-being and development of children by ensuring they receive healthy and balanced meals.

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

To thrive as a Child Care Cook, you need knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and meal planning, often supported by a food handler’s certification or similar credential. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with health regulations is crucial. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work well with children and staff are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, nutritious meals are prepared efficiently and meet the dietary needs of children in a regulated environment.

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

AspectChild Care CookPreschool Cook
CredentialsFood handler permits, basic culinary skillsFood handler permits, culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentChild care centers, daycare facilitiesPreschools, early education centers
Employer & IndustryChild care providers, daycare organizationsPreschool programs, early childhood education
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on child nutrition in care settingsFocus on meal prep for preschool-aged children

Both Child Care Cooks and Preschool Cooks prepare meals for children in educational or care settings. The main difference lies in their work environments and specific focus areas, with Child Care Cooks working primarily in daycare centers and Preschool Cooks in preschool programs. Both roles require food safety permits and culinary skills, but Preschool Cooks may also benefit from additional culinary training. Understanding these distinctions helps parents and employers find the right fit for child nutrition needs.

Do daycares have child care cooks?

Child care cooks are common in daycares and preschools, responsible for preparing nutritious meals and snacks for children. They often need food safety certifications and follow specific dietary guidelines to ensure children's health and safety.

What are popular job titles related to Child Care Cook jobs in Indiana?

For Child Care Cook jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Child Care Cook jobs in IN?

For Child Care Cook jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Child Care Cook job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,159 per year, or $14 per hour.

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

We are seeking a reliable, organized, and nurturing cook to join our team. In this role, you will do much more than just prepare meals — you will fuel the growth, learning, and development of our students by providing wholesome, delicious, and safe nutrition every day.
The ideal candidate has a passion for cooking, an understanding of childhood nutrition, a warm demeanor, and an unwavering commitment to kitchen cleanliness and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
  • Meal Preparation & Planning: Prepare and cook nutritious, appealing, and age-appropriate breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks for children ranging from infancy through Pre-K.
  • Menu Adherence: Follow designated menus, recipes, and portion sizes while ensuring all meals comply with local licensing and federal nutritional guidelines.
  • Allergy & Dietary Management: Strictly manage and track documented child food allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. Ensure safe substitutions are prepared and clearly labeled.
  • Kitchen Sanitation & Safety: Maintain a spotless kitchen, pantry, and storage area. Wash and sanitize all dishes, utensils, pots, and food preparation surfaces in accordance with health department regulations.
  • Inventory & Ordering: Monitor food and kitchen supply inventories. Assist leadership with weekly ordering, ensuring all items are rotated properly using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method.
  • Compliance & Record Keeping: Maintain daily logs for food temperatures, refrigerator/freezer temperatures, and production records to meet state licensing and quality assurance standards.
Qualifications & Requirements
  • Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of experience cooking in a commercial kitchen, school, childcare center, or healthcare facility preferred.
  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Certifications: ANAB-accredited Food Handlers certification is highly preferred upon hire. Note: Possession of, or the willingness to obtain, an Indiana-accepted Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential within 3 months of hire is a major plus.
  • Background Check: Must successfully pass all state-mandated background checks, including a national FBI fingerprint criminal history check, Indiana State Police check, and sexual offender registry checks prior to employment.
  • Health Clearances: Ability to provide a documentation of a negative intradermal TB skin test or chest x-ray, and a physical health examination signed by a licensed physician showing fitness for duty.
  • Physical Demands: Ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 40 pounds, and safely operate standard commercial kitchen equipment.
Skills & Attributes
  • Organization: Excellent time management skills to ensure multiple classrooms are fed smoothly and on schedule.
  • Flexibility: A positive "team player" attitude, ready to adapt to changing enrollment numbers or special dietary requests.
  • Joy for Children: A warm, friendly personality. You will occasionally interact with our young students and teachers, and a smile goes a long way in our hallways!
What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly wages
  • Mon–Fri schedule (No late nights or weekends!)
  • Paid time off and holiday pay
  • Professional development and assistance with food safety certifications
  • A supportive, energetic, and rewarding work environment