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Childcare Center Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atlas Free

Center Cook (Childcare Center)

Columbus, GA · On-site

$11 - $12/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 ...

Atlas Free

Center Cook (Childcare Center)

Columbus, GA · On-site

$11 - $12/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 ...

Little People's Landing

PT Childcare Center Cook

Parker, CO · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

We'd love to see candidates with previous cooking experience, especially in a school setting. Additionally, if you have any childcare experience, that would be a huge plus since this role involves ...

Little People's Landing

PT Childcare Center Cook

Parker, CO · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

We'd love to see candidates with previous cooking experience, especially in a school setting. Additionally, if you have any childcare experience, that would be a huge plus since this role involves ...

The Learning Experience

Center Cook

Addison, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

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 ...

Bright Horizons

Cook- Childcare Center

San Ramon, CA

$17.28 - $23.33/hr

As a Cook at Bright Horizons , you will plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support ... Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or highvolume ...

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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 14, 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.

Center Cook (Childcare Center)

Atlas Free

Columbus, GA • On-site

$11 - $12/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

We're currently hiring for an experienced chef to create delicious and healthy meals and snacks for our children. If you have a PASSION for cooking and LOVE children, we would love to meet you!!!
At Growing Room, we believe in a culture built around these core values:
Educational Excellence, Safety & Security, Innovation, Passion, Trust, & Family. We have a tight-knit team of early childhood professionals, and we want YOU to join our team if you are inspired by excellence! We are a growing company that loves to promote from within. If you are looking to further your career in Early Childhood, we provide continual advancement opportunities for driven individuals.
Our employee benefits include: 75% Childcare Discount, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, FREE Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurance, 401K, Direct Deposit, Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Employee Assistance Program, Discounted Meals, Free Training, Birthday Celebrations, Recognition Programs, & Team Building Activities.
Candidates must have experience preparing meals in a group care setting. You must be prepared to laugh, love, and learn more about children than you ever have. This is by far one of the most joyous places to work, but you must be prepared to accept the challenges and benefits this job has to offer.
Hours: 6:30am-2:30pm
If you are ready to join a winning team where we laugh and have fun, apply today! We're excited to meet you!!!
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Shift:
  • Day shift

Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday

Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:
  • cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Multiple locations

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