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Childcare Center Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Growing Kids Learning Center

Center Cook

South Bend, IN

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

We provide an amazing childcare discount for all our staff! Anthem Health, Dental, and Vision ... The Center Cook supports learning, development, and health of young children. Their ...

Bright Horizons

Cook Early Childcare Center

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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Young Explorers

Child Care Center Cook

Avon, OH · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

As a proud member of BrightPath Kids and Busy Bees global childcare community, we offer exceptional ... As a Center Cook , you'll play a vital role in fueling young minds and bodies by preparing healthy ...

BrightPath Kids USA

Child Care Center Cook

Batavia, NY

$16 - $18/hr

As a proud member of BrightPath Kids and Busy Bees global childcare community, we offer exceptional ... As a Center Cook , you'll play a vital role in fueling young minds and bodies by preparing healthy ...

BrightPath Kids USA

Child Care Center Cook

Souderton, PA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

As a proud member of the Busy Bees global childcare community, we offer exceptional opportunities ... As a Center Cook , you'll play a vital role in fueling young minds and bodies by preparing healthy ...

BrightPath Kids USA

Child Care Center Cook

Buffalo, NY

$16 - $18/hr

As a proud member of the Busy Bees global childcare community, we offer exceptional opportunities ... As a Center Cook , you will prepare nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the ...

Young Explorers

Child Care Center Cook

Aurora, OH · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

As a proud member of BrightPath Kids and Busy Bees global childcare community, we offer exceptional ... As a Center Cook , you'll play a vital role in fueling young minds and bodies by preparing healthy ...

Busy Bees North America

Child Care Center Cook

Camillus, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a proud member of BrightPath Kids and Busy Bees global childcare community, we offer exceptional ... As a Center Cook , you'll play a vital role in fueling young minds and bodies by preparing healthy ...

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Childcare Center Cook information

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How much do childcare center cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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 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 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.

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What states have the most Childcare Center Cook jobs?

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Childcare Center Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Childcare Center Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,643 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Cook- Childcare Center

Bright Horizons Family Solutions

San Ramon, CA • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Bright Horizons rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 297 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 223 rated education and training

Job description

As a Cook at Bright Horizons, you will plan and prepare nutritious, family-style meals that support children's health, growth, and learning. Each day, your care in the kitchen will create a warm, predictable routine for children, educators, and center staff. From simmering soups to perfectly portioned plates, your work will fuel growing minds.
Join a team where your contributions matter and where you are supported to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference each day.
Responsibilities:
  • Plan and prepare balanced, family-style meals and snacks following approved menus, nutritional guidelines, and daily attendance counts.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen by following food safety, allergy-management, sanitation, and health procedures.
  • Manage food and supply inventory, place orders through approved vendors, and partner with center staff to support smooth daily meal service.

Qualifications:
Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:
  • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required
  • Having or obtaining a food handler certification within 30 days of hire is required
  • Course work or certification in Nutrition is preferred
  • Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or high-volume food service setting is preferred

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We're changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you're the difference.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food service per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons
care and the employee.
Physical demands include lifting and carrying food and supplies (typically 10 to 40 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds), standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, pushing carts, and performing repetitive kitchen and cleaning tasks. Employees must maintain mental and physical alertness and be able to respond immediately and appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.
The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.
Compensation:
The hourly rate for this position is between $25.00 - $28.00. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.
Benefits:
Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools
  • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program
  • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family
  • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Bright Horizons is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis.
Compensation: $25.00 - $28.00 / hr
Life at Bright Horizons:
At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title - you're the difference. Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future - for yourself and for others.
Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).
If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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