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Daycare Cook Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Cook II

Albion, NE · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The cook will also supervise Dietary Aides and delegate tasks as appropriate. Qualifications ... Prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks for patients, staff, daycare, and guests.

Cook II

Albion, NE · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The cook will also supervise Dietary Aides and delegate tasks as appropriate. Qualifications ... Prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks for patients, staff, daycare, and guests.

Child Care Center Cook

Omaha, NE · On-site

$11 - $14.50/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 ...

Child Care Center Cook

Omaha, NE · On-site

$11 - $14.50/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 ...

Child Care Center Cook

Omaha, NE

$11 - $14.50/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 ...

Child Care Center Cook

Omaha, NE

$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 ...

Daycare Cook information

See Nebraska salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in Nebraska is $18.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $20.19 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs?

Cities in Nebraska with the most Daycare Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,118 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Cook II

Albion, NE • On-site


Boone County Health Center
Health Care and Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

963rd of 1,064 rated hospitals

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here


$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

Boone County Health Center Mission:
Dedicated. Caring. Here.
Job Summary:
Boone County Health Center is seeking a dedicated and hardworking Cook to join our Dietary Department. This position is responsible for the preparation and service of meals and food items to patients, visitors, and staff, while ensuring the highest standards of food quality, sanitation, and customer service. The cook will also supervise Dietary Aides and delegate tasks as appropriate.
Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others.
  • Previous experience in food preparation and sanitation is preferred.
  • Ability to enlarge or reduce recipes as necessary.
  • Basic understanding of food safety standards and sanitation practices.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:
  1. Food Preparation and Service:
    • Prepares and serves meals according to established menus, ensuring all patients, visitors, and staff receive meals that meet dietary specifications.
    • Uses diet manual and menu modifications to accommodate patient diet prescriptions.
    • Ensures consistent and efficient delivery of meals and snacks.
    • Collaborates with the Certified Dietary Manager and dietary aides to carry out daily tasks efficiently.
    • Prepares requested snacks for patients, staff, and visitors.
  2. Food Safety and Sanitation:
    • Follows recipes to prepare adequate amounts of product based on forecasted needs.
    • Ensures proper food handling and complies with all food safety standards.
    • Takes and records required food temperatures to ensure safety and quality.
    • Assists with audits, inventory management, and record keeping as required.
  3. Cleaning and Maintenance:
    • Maintains a clean and sanitary work environment by following established cleaning routines.
    • Assists in the proper disposal of refuse and ensures equipment is sanitized.
    • Completes assigned cleaning duties as part of routine kitchen maintenance.
  4. Customer Service:
    • Provides excellent customer service to patients, staff, and visitors by addressing requests and ensuring satisfaction.
    • Assists with point-of-sale transactions as needed for cafeteria or meal services.
  5. Cook I Specific Responsibilities:
    • Prepares and serves evening meals for patients.
    • Assists with closing duties for the department at the end of the shift.
  6. Cook II Specific Responsibilities:
    • Prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks for patients, staff, daycare, and guests.
    • Assists with catering services as needed, ensuring quality and timely delivery of food for special events.
    • Responsible for baking and preparing desserts.

Why Join BCHC?
At Boone County Health Center, you'll be a valued member of a collaborative, supportive team. We offer competitive pay, opportunities for career growth, and a positive work environment focused on quality and patient care. We are committed to providing excellent service and making a positive impact in our community.
Boone County Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment.


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