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Childcare Center Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Learning Experience

Childcare Center Cook

Canton, OH · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

As a Childcare Center Cook with us, you'll play a key role in making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and communities by cooking daily nutritious meals. Monday-Friday - no ...

Child Development Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Durham, NC

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Childcare Cook -- Durham, North Carolina Your role As a Childcare Cook at Child Development Schools ... center leadership Maintain kitchen equipment and report any maintenance needs promptly Support ...

Child Development Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Hubert, NC

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Childcare Cook -- Hubert, North Carolina Your role As a Childcare Cook at Child Development Schools ... center leadership Maintain kitchen equipment and report any maintenance needs promptly Support ...

Atlas Free

Center Cook (Childcare Center)

Columbus, GA · On-site

$10.25 - $13.50/hr

If you have a PASSION for cooking and LOVE children, we would love to meet you!!! At Growing Room ... Our employee benefits include:75% Childcare Discount, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision ...

Building Kidz

Childcare Center Cook & Support

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

As our Cook & Center Support Teacher, you'll fuel our kids with quality, wholesome meals and snacks ... Uphold all Building Kidz policies and state childcare licensing regulations Required by Arizona ...

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Childcare Center Cook information

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How much do childcare center cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for childcare 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 are some common challenges faced by a Childcare Center Cook and how can they be managed?

Childcare Center Cooks often face the challenge of preparing nutritious, appealing meals that meet strict dietary guidelines and accommodate allergies or special needs. Balancing variety with budget constraints and managing time efficiently during busy meal periods are also common hurdles. Success in this role often relies on strong organizational skills, clear communication with staff about children's dietary requirements, and staying updated on food safety standards. Collaborating closely with teachers and parents ensures meals align with children's needs and preferences.

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

To thrive as a Childcare Center Cook, you need knowledge of nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and experience in large-scale food preparation, often supported by a food handler’s permit or related certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and following allergen management protocols is typically required. Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff and children are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, nutritious meals are consistently provided, supporting children's health and meeting regulatory standards.

What does a Childcare Center Cook do?

A Childcare Center Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children at a childcare facility. They follow menus that meet dietary guidelines and accommodate allergies or special dietary needs. In addition to cooking, they maintain kitchen cleanliness, ensure food safety standards are met, and sometimes help plan menus. Their work helps promote healthy eating habits and supports the well-being of children in the center.

What is the difference between Childcare Center Cook vs Kitchen Assistant in a childcare setting?

AspectChildcare Center CookKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic cooking skillsFood handler’s permit, basic kitchen skills
Work EnvironmentChildcare centers, kitchensChildcare centers, kitchens
Employer & IndustryChildcare facilities, education industryChildcare facilities, education industry
Primary ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, menu planningAssisting with meal prep, cleaning

The Childcare Center Cook focuses on preparing nutritious meals and managing menus, while the Kitchen Assistant supports meal preparation and maintains kitchen cleanliness. Both roles require food safety certifications and work within childcare environments, but the Cook has more responsibility for meal planning and cooking.

More about Childcare Center Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Childcare Center Cook jobs? Cities with the most Childcare Center Cook job openings:
What states have the most Childcare Center Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Childcare Center Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Childcare Center Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Childcare Center Cook jobs are:
Childcare Center Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Childcare Center Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,643 per year, or $14.7 per hour.
Childcare Center Cook

Childcare Center Cook

The Learning Experience

Canton, OH • On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Part-time

Medical, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Employee discounts
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance
  • Wellness resources

Are you passionate about working with children and preparing nutritious meals?
The Learning Experience- Canton seeks a dedicated and enthusiastic cook to join our team as an ambassador of happiness.
As a Childcare Center Cook with us, you'll play a key role in making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and communities by cooking daily nutritious meals.
Monday-Friday - no evenings or weekends. Pay rate depending on experience $15-$17 per hour.
You will:
  • Plan, prepare, and cook healthy and delicious meals for children that meet proper nutritional requirements.
  • Maintain and track food allergies for each child in our center, ensuring their safety, and communicate any identified allergies to teachers daily with every food delivery.
  • Follow proper food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures to ensure food is stored properly.
  • Collaborate with the Center Leadership team to purchase all necessary food and supplies and keep inventory records as local and state agencies require.
  • Provide excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards parents and children, listen, and communicate effectively.
  • Be flexible and adaptable to the daily business needs of a childcare center.

If you have:
  • A High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • 1+ year of experience in food preparation and cooking.
  • A food handling certificate or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
  • The ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.

We encourage you to apply now and join our team at The Learning Experience and help make a difference!
Part-Time with potential to be Full-Time.
Compensation: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour
The Learning Experience
At The Learning Experience, we make early education joyful, engaging and fun so children are happy to learn, play and grow
Our curriculum focuses on the six ages and stages of early childhood development and engages children in hands-on learning activities that encourage them to explore and solve problems at their own rate of development. This forms a foundation for kids to Learn, Play and Grow under the care of our nurturing teachers and staff.
At TLE®, we've created a full cast of characters that become our little learners' educators, partners and friends through their preschool education journey. Each character has a unique personality and area of interest and brings learning to life by allowing children to explore the world through fun and imagination.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to The Learning Experience Corporate.

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