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Daycare Cook Jobs in Florida (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 ...

The Learning Experience

Daycare Cook

Wesley Chapel, FL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

As a Daycare 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 ...

Pines of Sarasota

Cook

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Discounted on-site daycare * 401K and more... Duties and Responsibilities: * The cook is responsible for preparing, cooking and serving residents' meals. * Prepares and cooks meals for regular and ...

PINES OF SARASOTA

Cook

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Discounted on-site daycare * 401K and more... Duties and Responsibilities: * The cook is responsible for preparing, cooking and serving residents' meals. * Prepares and cooks meals for regular and ...

MCGREGOR BAPTIST CHURCH INC

Food Prep Cook Serve

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Experienced Cook - Part Time Want to be part of a great, dynamic team? We are currently looking for ... We prepare meals for daycare thru 12th grade in our private school and serve weddings and banquets ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Cutler Bay, FL · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

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 ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Riverview, FL

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

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 ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Winter Park, FL · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

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 ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Winter Park, FL · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

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 ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Riverview, FL · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

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 ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Orange Park, FL

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

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 ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Orange Park, FL · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

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 ...

Learning Care Group, Inc.

Child Care Center Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

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 ...

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All JobsDaycare Cook JobsDaycare Cook Jobs in Florida

Daycare Cook information

See Florida salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in Florida is $14.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $15.82 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 popular job titles related to Daycare Cook jobs in Florida?

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

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

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

What cities in Florida are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Daycare Cook job openings:

Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,876 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Daycare Cook

Helping Hand Day Nursery Inc

Tampa, FL • On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 21 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.