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Childcare Center Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Perfect Start Child Care

Childcare Cook

Florence, SC

$12 - $14/hr

About This Role A Perfect Start Child Care Center Provides care for Infants,toddlers, preschoolers ... We are looking for nurturing and patient cook and staff member you will be responsible for all ...

BrightPath Kids USA

Child Care Center Cook

Milford, DE · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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

Canton, MA

$17.50 - $21/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

Woburn, MA · On-site

$17.50 - $21/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

West Hartford, CT · On-site

$16.94 - $18.50/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

Manchester, CT · On-site

$16.94 - $18.50/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

Westford, MA

$17.50 - $21/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

Cheshire, CT · On-site

$16.94 - $18.50/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 ...

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 ...

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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.

Child Care Center Cook

BrightPath Early Learning & Child Care

Milford, DE

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Center: Milford

Job Type: Full-Time

Opportunities for more hours in a classroom if preferred

No evenings or weekends!

Build your career in the early childhood education field and become a valued member of our team at BrightPath Kids! As a proud member of BrightPath Kids and Busy Bees global childcare community, we offer exceptional opportunities for your career to thrive. Join our diverse community of over 5,000 dedicated employees, and experience competitive pay and benefits, including a childcare discount. With our rapid growth, now is the perfect time to apply and shape an extraordinary future with us. Unleash your potential and join BrightPath Kids today!

What will you be doing?

 As a Center Cook, you'll play a vital role in fueling young minds and bodies by preparing healthy and delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Your attention to nutrition and food safety helps ensure our children are energized and ready to learn and grow each day. You’ll also take pride in keeping our kitchen clean, organized, and running smoothly.

In addition to your kitchen role, we welcome and value cooks who are interested in spending time in the classroom. This unique opportunity allows you to build meaningful connections with the children by supporting teachers and engaging in classroom activities. While not required, your presence in both the kitchen and classroom helps create a warm, supportive environment for all.

If you love preparing nutritious meals and want to be part of a collaborative team that makes a difference in children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you!
 
Top Reasons to join BrightPath Kids:

• We offer a generous child care discount to ALL employees so that your family can take advantage of our great learning environment!
• All staff are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program which offers a company match – this is free money!
• We will support your long-term career goals by offering opportunities for professional development.
• Full-time staff are offered paid time off and paid holidays.
• Full-time staff are offered health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance and $10,000 of company-paid life insurance.

Requirements:
• High School Diploma or equivalent required 
• 1+ years of food preparation experience preferred 
• Ability to work within regular operating hours 
• Must meet state criteria for child care employment
If this sounds like a good fit, we want to meet you! Please submit your application today.

Apply