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Child Care Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Center Cook

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19.69 - $20.46/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

Sartell, MN · On-site

$15.48 - $16.08/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

Mishawaka, IN · On-site

$12 - $15.75/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

Southfield, MI

$11.75 - $15.75/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

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/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

Arnold, MO · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/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

Omaha, NE · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/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

Moore, OK

$10.25 - $13.75/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,

Urbandale, IA

$12 - $16/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

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/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

Indian Trail, NC · On-site

$12 - $16/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

Fairlawn, OH · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/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

Moore, OK · On-site

$10.25 - $13.75/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

Prospect, KY · On-site

$12 - $15.75/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

Garland, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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

Ballwin, MO · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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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How much do child care cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 job categories do people searching Child Care Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Child Care Cook jobs are:
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 Center Cook

Child Care Center Cook

Learning Care Group

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$19.69 - $20.46/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Learning Care Group rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 20 rated daycare providers


Job description

Job Description
This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every day. 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 adapt to menu changes and meet meal and snack schedules.
As a Food Specialist, you will be:
  • At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school's menu and budget, as well as state and federal requirements. Prepare meals/snacks for children and staff and distribute food to the classrooms.
  • Focused on health and safety! Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health department regulations.
  • Organized! Maintain inventory of food and supplies and order more when needed.
  • Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater.

Job Requirements:
  • Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility, preferred.
  • A willingness to learn and adhere to all current state and local regulations.
  • Flexibility as to the hours and schedule of work.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Compensation range $19.69- $20.46 based on Position, Education and Experience. Bi-weekly and Daily Pay options
  • Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and FSA) provided for full-time employees, Limited medical offered for part-time workers
  • Education assistance including tuition reimbursement and certification, 401K (plus company match), life and disability insurance and child care discount available to all employees
  • Monday-Friday work week

About Us
Learning Care Group, Inc. is North America's second-largest for-profit childcare provider and a leader in early childhood education. We offer specialized programs for children from 6 weeks to 12 years, delivered through our unique family of brands. Our commitment to excellence drives us to create cutting-edge facilities, equipped with advanced technology and expertly crafted curriculum designed by our in-house Education team.
Our Promise
We strive to make a meaningful impact on every child, their families, and the communities we serve. From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early education, we prepare children for school, instill a lifelong love of learning, and build a strong foundation for their future success

What Learning Care Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Learning Care Group logo

About Learning Care Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Learning Care Group, Inc. is the second-largest for-profit child care provider in North America and a leader in early education. Our programs are designed for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. Across our eight unique brands, we're committed to creating state-of-the-art facilities with the latest technology and expert-driven curricula created by our own Education team.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Novi, MI, US

Year founded

1967

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