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Childcare Center Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Learning Experience

Childcare Center COOK

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Childcare discount 50% * Dental * vision * FREE life insurance * FREE Short term disability * Free ... The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school ...

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 ...

True Love Christian Academy

Daycare Cook

Memphis, TN

$10/hr

About This Role Currently in search of a part time cook for childcare center. What You'll Do Job Summary: The Child Care Center Cook is responsible for menu planning, planning of groceries and ...

A Million Dreamz

Lead Childcare Center Cook

Sheboygan, WI · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

The Lead cook is responsible for providing nutritious and appealing meals to the AMD students. They ... Work with the Center Director to obtain projected meal attendance and real-time attendance counts.

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

Alameda, CA

$25 - $28/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 ...

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 ...

Ministry of Caring, Inc

Cook

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Childcare Center Cook Position Summary: The Cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children in accordance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program ...

Big Blue Marble Academy

Child Care Cook

Charlotte, NC

$12.25 - $16/hr

As an Early Childcare Center Cook, you'll enjoy creating homestyle, nutritional meals for young children. You'll become a part of a community where everyone feels empowered to reach their career ...

Big Blue Marble Academy

Child Care Cook

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

As an Early Childcare Center Cook, you'll enjoy creating homestyle, nutritional meals for young children. You'll become a part of a community where everyone feels empowered to reach their career ...

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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

The Learning Experience New Berlin

New Berlin, WI

$12.75 - $17/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Free uniforms
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

Qualifications
  • A willingness to learn and adhere to all current state and local regulations
  • Flexibility as to the hours and schedule of work

Benefits
  • Childcare discount 50%
  • Dental
  • vision
  • FREE life insurance
  • FREE Short term disability
  • Free Long term disability
  • personal growth with employee assistance programs
  • PTO
  • Telemedicine

Responsibilities
  • The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the schools 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
  • 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
  • Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health department regulations
  • Maintain inventory of food and supplies and order more when needed
  • Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater