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Daycare Cook Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Children's Lighthouse Parker

Daycare Cook

Parker, CO · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Opportunity for advancement Children's Lighthouse Learning Center located off Newlin Gulch and Chambers Road in Parker is currently seeking a Cook for our Early Learning Center. Required Skills and ...

Learning Care Group, Inc.

Child Care Center Cook

Littleton, CO

$13 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every day. Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is ...

Valleyhealth

$26.62 - $33.27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utilizes pre-preparation and batch cooking techniques. Orders food supplies on a daily basis when ... Day Care Discounts for Various Daycare Facilities Salary Joining Valley Health System means ...

All JobsDaycare Cook JobsDaycare Cook Jobs in Colorado

Daycare Cook information

See Colorado salary details

$11

$20

$26

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in Colorado is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a daycare cook?

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 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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Daycare Cook jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Daycare Cook jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Daycare Cook jobs in Colorado?

For Daycare Cook jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Daycare Cook jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Daycare Cook jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Daycare Cook job openings:

Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,038 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Daycare Cook

Children's Lighthouse Parker

Parker, CO • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Employee discounts
  • Opportunity for advancement

Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center located off Newlin Gulch and Chambers Road in Parker is currently seeking a Cook for our Early Learning Center.
Required Skills and Experience:

· Familiarity with proper conditions and food storage, the ability to understand the needs of children with food allergies, and to implement methods of food cross-contamination avoidance.
· Ability to follow prepared food menus and prepare a sufficient quantity of foods for center population
Our staff is committed to making our center successful and know that meaningful relationships with children, families, and their team are important to success.  We fully engaged, passionate about their work, and take initiative to create the best experience possible. 
Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
  • Paid time off
  • 401K
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday