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Daycare Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helping Hand Day Nursery Inc

Daycare Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

We are seeking a Daycare Cook to join our team! We are a family-oriented daycare seeking to hire a qualified cook. The position offers competitive pay and paid time off. Candidates must pass a ...

Helping Hand Day Nursery Inc

Daycare Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

We are seeking a Daycare Cook to join our team! We are a family-oriented daycare seeking to hire a qualified cook. The position offers competitive pay and paid time off. Candidates must pass a ...

Early Explorers Learning Center, LLC

Daycare Cook

Liberty, MO · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

We are seeking a reliable and team-oriented Daycare Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals for children in a licensed childcare setting. This position is primarily responsible for morning food ...

Sonshine Learning Center

Daycare Cook

Greenville, SC

$15 - $16/hr

Our large childcare center is seeking a dependable, experienced Daycare Cook to join our team! This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM -- no evenings or weekends! What You'll ...

The Learning Experience

Daycare Cook

Canton, OH · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

As a Childcare Center Cook with us, you'll play a key role in making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and communities by cooking daily nutritious meals. Monday-Friday - no ...

Creative Learning Center

Daycare Cook

Beaumont, TX · On-site

$11 - $12/hr

About This Role The part-time cook position is available from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. What You'll Do Maintain a clean kitchen environment Prepare meals for children, taking ...

A to Z Building Blocks

Daycare Cook

Eagle Mountain, UT · On-site

$16.25/hr

If you enjoy cooking, staying organized, and working in a structured environment, this could be the perfect fit. This is a full-time, long-term position with consistent weekday hours. You'll work ...

The Learning Experience

Daycare Cook

North Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

As a Preschool Cook with us, you'll play a key role in making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and communities by cooking daily nutritious meals. You will: * Plan, prepare, and ...

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Daycare Cook information

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$11

$19

$25

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in the United States is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Daycare Cooks?

Daycare Cooks are responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children at a daycare facility. They plan menus that meet dietary guidelines and accommodate food allergies or special needs. Daycare Cooks also ensure that the kitchen area is clean and compliant with health and safety regulations, and they often work closely with daycare staff to support children's well-being. Their role is vital in providing healthy food choices to promote children's growth and development while at daycare.

What are some common challenges faced by a Daycare Cook and how can they be managed?

Daycare Cooks often face the challenge of preparing nutritious meals that meet strict dietary guidelines and accommodate various allergies and preferences among children. Managing time efficiently to serve meals on schedule while maintaining food safety and cleanliness standards is essential. Effective communication with daycare staff is crucial to stay informed about children's needs and any last-minute changes. Staying organized and planning menus in advance can help streamline meal preparation and reduce stress during busy times.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Daycare Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Daycare Cook, you need knowledge of nutrition, safe food handling, and meal preparation, often backed by a food handler's permit or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and compliance with health department regulations are typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication with staff and children are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the preparation of healthy, safe meals that support children's well-being and meet regulatory standards.

What Does a Daycare Cook Do?

Daycare cooks plan, prepare, and clean up meals at a daycare facility. As a daycare cook, you prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children. You must have knowledge of healthy, complete meals and use budgeting skills to make food purchases for a given period of time. Your responsibilities include ensuring enough food is available each day and that each meal is USDA food guide compliant. Other duties involve maintaining a clean kitchen workspace, storing food according to local health unit guidelines, and serving food hygienically. You also interact with children and model appropriate food handling and eating etiquette.

What is the difference between Daycare Cook vs School Lunch Cook?

AspectDaycare CookSchool Lunch Cook
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic cooking skillsFood handler’s permit, food safety certification
Work EnvironmentChildcare centers, daycare facilitiesSchools, educational institutions
Employer & IndustryChildcare providers, daycare industrySchool districts, education sector
Job FocusPreparing nutritious meals for young childrenPreparing meals for students, adhering to school menus

While both roles involve preparing meals for children, a Daycare Cook focuses on creating nutritious, age-appropriate food in daycare settings, whereas a School Lunch Cook prepares meals for larger groups of students in school cafeterias, often following strict nutritional guidelines and menus.

More about Daycare Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs? Cities with the most Daycare Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Daycare Cook jobs? The most popular types of Daycare Cook jobs are:
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Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Daycare Cook

Daycare Cook

Helping Hand Day Nursery Inc

Tampa, FL • On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Daycare Cook to join our team!  We are a family-oriented daycare seeking to hire a qualified cook.  The position offers competitive pay and paid time off.  Candidates must pass a background screening, possess a passion for cooking and children, demonstrate reliability, have a commitment to food service protocols, and dedication to teamwork.  If you're interested, please submit a resume or call (813) 988-5300.

Company Description

Helping Hand provides quality, affordable childcare and educational services for low-income working families.