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Child Care Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food ...

Child Care Center Cook

Excelsior, MN · On-site

$20.15 - $20.94/hr

The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to adapt to menu changes and meet meal and snack ...

Child Care Center Cook

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$20.15 - $20.94/hr

The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to adapt to menu changes and meet meal and snack ...

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Child Care Cook information

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$8

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How much do child care cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for child care 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 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 typical daily responsibilities of a Child Care Cook in a daycare setting?

A Child Care Cook in a daycare is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks that meet dietary guidelines and accommodate allergies or special needs. Daily tasks include menu planning, food preparation, portioning meals, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and adhering to food safety regulations. Cooks often collaborate with child care staff to coordinate meal times and may interact with children to encourage healthy eating habits. They also regularly monitor inventory and order supplies to ensure the kitchen is well-stocked.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Care Cook, and why are they important?

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.

More about Child Care Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Child Care Cook jobs? Cities with the most Child Care Cook job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Child Care Cook jobs? The top employers for Child Care Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Child Care Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Child Care Cook jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Child Care Cook jobs? For Child Care Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Child Care Cook

$12.96 - $16/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Bright Horizons rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 294 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 202 rated education and training


Job description

As a Cook at Bright Horizons, you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support children's health, growth, and learning. Each day, your care in the kitchen will create a warm, predictable routine for children, educators, and center staff. From simmering soups to perfectly portioned plates, your work will fuel growing minds.

Join a team where your contributions matter and where you are supported to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference each day.

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare balanced, familystyle meals and snacks following approved menus, nutritional guidelines, and daily attendance counts.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen by following food safety, allergymanagement, sanitation, and health procedures.

  • Manage food and supply inventory, place orders through approved vendors, and partner with center staff to support smooth daily meal service.

Qualifications:

Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:

  • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GEDis required

  • Having or obtaining a food handler certification within 30 days of hire is required

  • Course work or certification in Nutrition is preferred

  • Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or highvolume food service setting is preferred

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We're changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you're the difference.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food service per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons

care and the employee.

Physical demands include lifting and carrying food and supplies (typically 10 to 40 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds), standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, pushing carts, and performing repetitive kitchen and cleaning tasks. Employees must maintain mental and physical alertness and be able to respond immediately and appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

Compensation:

The hourly for this position is between $12.96 - $16.00 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Benefits:

Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools

  • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program

  • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family

  • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Compensation: $12.96 - $16.00 / hr

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title -you're the difference. Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future - for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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