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Daycare Cook Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Primrose School of West Clay

Kitchen Cook

Carmel, IN · On-site

If you're looking for more than a daycare and you're passionate about providing the highest quality care to help children develop and grow during their first five years, consider a career with us.

HHC

PROGRAM NUTRITIONIST

Indianapolis, IN

Film a cooking demonstration of the 12 selected commodity recipes that will be made available to ... daycares, businesses, senior centers, and other community settings where a community nutrition ...

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Daycare Cook information

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$10

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$24

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 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

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,042 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Kitchen Cook

Primrose School of West Clay

Carmel, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Primrose Schools rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 474 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 24 rated private schools and tutoring

Job description

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Role:  Kitchen Manager at Primrose School of West Clay - 13096 Moultrie Drive Carmel, IN 46032
Be a part of the Beginning of Something Big!
Are you eager to make a difference in the health and nutrition of young children? As the Kitchen Manager at Primrose School of West Clay, you’ll prepare delicious, nutritious food that helps fuel children as they explore, play and develop a lifelong love of learning.
At Primrose School of West Clay, you’ll find: 
  • A supportive and caring team that is committed to health and safety
  • A joyful and welcoming work environment
  • Warm and caring culture that promotes a work-life balance
  • Opportunities to give back to your local community through charity events
Nurture a child’s first five years by: 
  • Encouraging healthy eating habits through delicious and nutritious foods
  • Maintaining a keen awareness of children who have allergies and food restrictions
  • Following the daily menu prepared in collaboration with or by the Director
  • Assisting with ordering food and calculating the amount needed
Qualifications
  • Proven experience in food preparation and kitchen management 
  • Strong skills in inventory management and control 
  • Ability to manage food service and catering operations 
  • Experience in supervising and leading kitchen teams 
  • Knowledge of dietary requirements and food production 
 Primrose School of West Clay is where education meets inspiration.  If you’re looking for more than a daycare and you're passionate about providing the highest quality care to help children develop and grow during their first five years, consider a career with us.
Shift Schedule:  Monday-Friday, (typical hours are 7:30-2:30)
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited to embark on an exciting adventure of bringing nutrition to little learners, we want to hear from you!

What Primrose Schools employees say

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About Primrose Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Rigley Primrose Schools are accredited private preschools that provides a premier educational child care experience. We partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life, and offer an environment that helps children have fun while nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®.

Industry

Education, education programs administration and elementary and secondary schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

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