ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Daycare Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

930-Johnston

Preschool Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$16.94 - $19.50/hr

Overview What Makes You Our Star Cook : * High school diploma or GED. * At least 18 years old ... If you're passionate about kids and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood ...

Cadence Education

Preschool Cook

Johnston, IA

$16.94 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you're passionate about kids and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood ... We're hiring NOW--grab your apron and let's get cooking! Why Cadence Education is Your Recipe for ...

Thedacare

Hospital Cook - Full Time

Manchester, IA

$12.75 - $17/hr

Access & Affordability * e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare About ThedaCare! Summary : Job Profile Summary The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food ...

Thedacare

Hospital Cook

Manchester, IA · On-site

Access & Affordability * e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare About ThedaCare! Summary : The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food production needs of ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Grimes, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/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

Grimes, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/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

Johnston, IA · 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

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$11.25 - $15/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

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$11.25 - $15/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

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/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

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/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

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/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

Johnston, IA · 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

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/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 ...

Thedacare

Hospital Cook - Part Time

Manchester, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Access & Affordability * e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare About ThedaCare! Summary : The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food production needs of ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Grimes, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDaycare Cook JobsDaycare Cook Jobs in Iowa

Daycare Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$23

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in Iowa is $18.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $19.86 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Daycare Cook job openings:

Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,551 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Preschool Cook

930-Johnston

Johnston, IA • On-site

$16.94 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Overview

What Makes You Our Star Cook:

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • At least 18 years old.
  • Meets all state preschool cook requirements.
  • 1 year of experience in food planning, preparation, and service, following USDA guidelines.
  • Preferred: Current Food Handler’s Card or ServSafe certification.

Your Recipe for Success:

  • Whip up minor meal prep with care, ensuring healthy, tasty dishes for our kids.
  • Keep food and supply storage areas organized and ready for action.
  • Distribute meals to classrooms with a smile, making every delivery a delight.
  • Maintain a clean, efficient kitchen, handling dishes and systems like a pro.
  • Tackle extra duties like laundry and cleaning to keep our school shining.
  • Bring energy and enthusiasm to a role that involves some lifting.

Ready to serve up joy? Apply today and join a team that’s all about love, growth, and making every meal a moment to savor! Cadence Education is your kitchen for connection, impact, and fun. Let’s cook up bright futures together!

Only full-time employees are eligible for the listed benefits.
Cadence Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Responsibilities

We are hungry for a Preschool Cook to join our vibrant team of childcare superstars! If you’re passionate about kids and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood education, this is your chance to whip up delicious, healthy meals that fuel our preschoolers’ adventures. We’re hiring NOW—grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why Cadence Education is Your Recipe for Success:
At Cadence, we’re all about serving bright futures for children, families, employees, and communities. Our innovative curriculum and warm, home-like environments are the secret sauce of early education. You’ll join a fun, collaborative team that thrives on open communication, teamwork, and a shared love for child development. We’re not just a preschool—we’re a kitchen for lifelong learning, and we need your culinary talents to keep our kids energized!

Your Role as Our Culinary Champion:

  • Create nutritious, kid-approved meals and snacks that make little tummies happy.
  • Keep the kitchen organized, managing food and supply storage like a pro.
  • Serve meals to classrooms, ensuring every child is fueled for learning and play.
  • Handle dishes and maintain a spotless, efficient kitchen system.
  • Pitch in with extra tasks like laundry, cleaning equipment, and sanitizing toys to keep our school sparkling.
  • Note: This role involves some lifting, so bring your energy!

Why This Job is a Total Treat:

  • Start NOW: Jump into the kitchen today and start making a difference!
  • Sizzling Benefits (Full-Time Cooks):
    • Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet—access your earnings anytime!
    • 50% childcare tuition discount—a delicious deal for your own little ones!
    • 401(k) with employer match to cook up a secure future.
    • Mouthwatering perks: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and even pet insurance!
    • Paid time off that grows with seniority, paid holidays, and company-paid life insurance.
    • Grow Your Skills: Paid CDA, tuition reimbursement, and professional development to spice up your career.
  • Balanced Flavor: We support you with a tight-knit team and a culture that prioritizes work-life harmony.
  • Join a Culinary Leader: With 340+ schools across 30 states and 30+ years of expertise, Cadence Education is the top chef in early childhood education!