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Childcare Center Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zen Kids Care

Childcare Center Cook

Everett, WA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

About This Role Zen Kids Care is seeking a dependable Cook to support our licensed childcare center in Everett for a 3-month contract. This role is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious ...

Child Development Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

Childcare Cook -- Chattanooga, Tennessee 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

Clayton, NC · On-site

$11 - $14.75/hr

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

Child Development Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Matthews, NC · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Your Role as Childcare Cook: As a cook, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious meals and snacks for the children in our care. In addition to your culinary duties, you will also serve as an ...

Endeavor Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Parker, CO

$20 - $22/hr

... Center Cook! At Parker Landing , our staff brighten children's lives every day while creating a ... Childcare tuition discounts * Career development programs * Opportunities for advancement

Endeavor Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Parker, CO

$20 - $22/hr

... Center Cook! At Parker Landing , our staff brighten children's lives every day while creating a ... Childcare tuition discounts * Career development programs * Opportunities for advancement

Endeavor Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Parker, CO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... Center Cook! At Parker Landing , our staff brighten children's lives every day while creating a ... Childcare tuition discounts * Career development programs * Opportunities for advancement

Endeavor Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Parker, CO

$20 - $22/hr

... Center Cook! At Parker Landing , our staff brighten children's lives every day while creating a ... Childcare tuition discounts * Career development programs * Opportunities for advancement

Endeavor Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Parker, CO

$20 - $22/hr

... Center Cook. At Parker Landing , our staff brighten children's lives every day while creating a ... Competitive pay and benefits Childcare tuition discounts Career development programs Opportunities ...

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Childcare Center Cook information

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How much do childcare center cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. 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

Coulee Children's Center

La Crosse, WI

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description


About This Role

Coulee Children's Center in La Crosse is hiring a cook for our growing childcare center!


We are interested in talking to applicants that have:

  • Experience cooking for large groups of people
  • Experience with the Federal Food Program preferred
  • Self-motivated, organized, detailed orientated and able to work independently
  • Enjoy working with children

What You'll Do

Cooking for a large group of children

ordering food and supplies

keeping the kitchen clean

washing dishes and using a commercial dishwasher


Requirements

being able to lift at least 30 pds

Able to stand for 7 hours

Self-motivated, organized, detailed orientated and able to work independently


Nice To Haves

at least 1 year experience in cooking for a large number of people

Experience with the Federal Food Program


Benefits
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Leave
  • Retirement Plan
  • Child Care Discount
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • childcare discount