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Daycare Cook Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The Tot Spot LLC

Cook/Kitchen

Fishers, IN

$15 - $20/hr

Experience is needed to prepare or cook breakfast, lunch, and snacks following nutritional guidelines for children in daycare. We are hiring for two shifts for our cook position.. Working hours will ...

The Tot Spot LLC

Cook/Kitchen

Fishers, IN · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Experience is needed to prepare or cook breakfast, lunch, and snacks following nutritional guidelines for children in daycare. We are hiring for two shifts for our cook position.. Working hours will ...

The Tot Spot

Cook/Kitchen

Fishers, IN · On-site

Experience is needed to prepare or cook breakfast, lunch, and snacks following nutritional guidelines for children in daycare. We are hiring for two shifts for our cook position.. Working hours will ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/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

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$12.25 - $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

Chesterton, IN

$12.25 - $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

Indianapolis, IN

$11.75 - $15.75/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 ...

La Petite Academy

Child Care Center Cook

Indianapolis, IN

$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

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/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

Chesterton, IN

$12.25 - $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

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/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 ...

La Petite Academy

Child Care Center Cook

Chesterton, IN

$12.25 - $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 ...

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All JobsDaycare Cook JobsDaycare Cook Jobs in Indiana

Daycare Cook information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in Indiana is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $20.14 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 are popular job titles related to Daycare Cook jobs in Indiana? For Daycare Cook jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Daycare Cook jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Daycare Cook jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Daycare Cook job openings:
Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,042 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Cook/Kitchen

The Tot Spot LLC

Fishers, IN

$15 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a reliable and friendly Cook to join our family. The applicant must have basic cooking skills, time management, and record-keeping skills, and be able to adapt and create healthy tasty menu options. If you enjoy working with children and love to cook, look no further and apply today! Never worked in childcare?

Do not let that hold you back from applying, we will train. Are you a student attending culinary arts? We are your best taste testers! All candidates must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma/GED, and complete a background check.


Candidate must have the ability to manage inventory, prepare menus, and calculate portions for up to 90 kiddos (family style). Experience is needed to prepare or cook breakfast, lunch, and snacks following nutritional guidelines for children in daycare. We are hiring for two shifts for our cook position.. Working hours will be 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday. You can apply at ilovethetotspot.com/careers

  • Prepare fresh fruit, vegetables, and other food products
  • Prepare (family style)breakfast, lunch, and snacks and deliver to and pick up from all classrooms
  • Plan breakfast, snack, and lunch menus; document monthly menu items
  • Calculate portion sizes according to state regulations
  • Clean and wash prep table; sweep and mop floors
  • Clean and organize the prep fridge/freezer and pantry
  • Understand how to operate a low temp dishwasher
  • Wash and sanitize all counters, kitchen equipment, cutting boards, and dishes
  • Maintain the overall cleanliness in the kitchen
  • Enjoy working alone
  • Track and maintain allergy substitutes when required

Manage food and paper supply inventory


Benefits:


  • 401(k)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance


Apply