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Daycare Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Jovie

Part-Time After-School Caregiver

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities include picking up the kids from daycare, cooking dinner, and overseeing their evening routine with love and enthusiasm. Nanny can use the family car if needed, as dad works from ...

Jovie

Part-Time After-School Caregiver

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities include picking up the kids from daycare, cooking dinner, and overseeing their evening routine with love and enthusiasm. Nanny can use the family car if needed, as dad works from ...

Learning Care Group

Childcare Cook

Chesapeake, VA

$11.75 - $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

Childcare Cook

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $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 ...

La Petite Academy

Childcare Cook

Chesapeake, VA

$12.50 - $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

Childcare Cook

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $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

Midlothian, VA

$12 - $16/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

Virginia Beach, VA · 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

Williamsburg, VA

$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

Woodbridge, VA · 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

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/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

Fairfax, VA

$13.25 - $17.50/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

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$12 - $16/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

Springfield, VA

$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 ...

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All JobsDaycare Cook JobsDaycare Cook Jobs in Virginia

Daycare Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$25

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in Virginia is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $20.96 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Daycare Cook job openings:

Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,636 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Daycare Cook

Forest Hill Presbyterian Child Care Center

Richmond, VA • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description


About This Role

The Cook and Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks per USDA and VDOE Child Care Licensing guidelines. This position ensures the kitchen is clean, organized, and fully stocked and manages all grocery shopping and supply needs. The Cook plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of the children enrolled at Forest Hill Child Care Center. 


What You'll Do

Meal Preparation and Service 


  • Prepare and serve daily lunch and snacks in compliance with nutrition and allergy guidelines. 
  • Follow established menus and "family-style" portion sizes based on licensing and USDA meal pattern requirements. 
  • Accommodate special dietary needs, allergies, and food restrictions. 
  • Maintain an accurate meal count and daily records as required. 

Kitchen Sanitation and Compliance 


  • Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen environment at all times. 
  • Wash dishes, disinfect surfaces, and ensure proper food storage. 
  • Adhere to all food safety regulations, including temperature logs and hygiene protocols. 
  • Prepare for and support annual inspections and monitoring visits.  

Purchasing and Inventory Management 


  • Monitor inventory of food and kitchen supplies 
  • Purchase groceries and kitchen items as needed, keeping receipts and staying within budget 
  • Coordinate with the Director, Operations Manager, or Administrative Assistant on larger or bulk orders. 
  • Rotate stock and ensure all food is within expiration dates. 

Program and Classroom Support 


  • Attend all staff meetings, professional development, and training. 

Requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years of age. 
  • Experience in food service, meal preparation, or related field. 
  • Current ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain). 
  • Ability to lift 30 pounds and work on your feet for extended periods. 
  • Willingness to undergo background check, provide two references, and receive required vaccines.

Nice To Haves
  • Experience cooking for children in a licensed childcare setting. 
  • Knowledge of USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal patterns. 
  • CPR and First Aid certification. 

Benefits

  • Childcare discounts: tuition at 50%, 75% or 100% off depending on age of child and number of children enrolled

    Free Telemedicine benefits.

    Free professional development.

    2 days of PTO accrual per month.


About Us
OUR MISSION

Forest Hill Child Care Center exists to nurture a love of learning in children, to prepare them for a transition into school, and to build relationships with families in the community.


OUR VISION

Our vision is to create a vibrant community where every child discovers their unique potential, every family feels supported, and a lifelong love of learning begins in a nurturing and inspiring environment.