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Daycare Cook Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Center Cook

Alpharetta, GA

$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 ...

Child Care Center Cook

Alpharetta, GA

$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 ...

Child Care Center Cook

Alpharetta, GA · 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 ...

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Daycare Cook information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in Decatur, GA is $18.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Decatur, GA? For Daycare Cook jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Daycare Cook jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Daycare Cook jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Daycare Cook job openings:
Child Care Center Cook, Childtime on Patterson Rd

Child Care Center Cook, Childtime on Patterson Rd

Learning Care Group, Inc.

Lawrenceville, GA

$11.25 - $15/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Learning Care Group rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 20 rated daycare providers


Job description

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 responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to adapt to menu changes and meet meal and snack schedules.

As a Food Specialist, you will be:

  • At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school's menu and budget, as well as state and federal requirements. Prepare meals/snacks for children and staff and distribute food to the classrooms.
  • Focused on health and safety! Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health department regulations.
  • Organized! Maintain inventory of food and supplies and order more when needed.
  • Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater.

Job Requirements:

  • Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility, preferred.  
  • A willingness to learn and adhere to all current state and local regulations.
  • Flexibility as to the hours and schedule of work.
Learning Care Group, Inc. is North America's second-largest for-profit childcare provider and a leader in early childhood education. We offer specialized programs for children from 6 weeks to 12 years, delivered through our unique family of brands. Our commitment to excellence drives us to create cutting-edge facilities, equipped with advanced technology and expertly crafted curriculum designed by our in-house Education team.

Our Promise

We strive to make a meaningful impact on every child, their families, and the communities we serve. From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early education, we prepare children for school, instill a lifelong love of learning, and build a strong foundation for their future success


What Learning Care Group employees say

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Benefits

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About Learning Care Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Learning Care Group, Inc. is the second-largest for-profit child care provider in North America and a leader in early education. Our programs are designed for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. Across our eight unique brands, we're committed to creating state-of-the-art facilities with the latest technology and expert-driven curricula created by our own Education team.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Novi, MI, US

Year founded

1967

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