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Daycare Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

La Petite Academy

Daycare Cook/ Food Specialist

Lawrence, KS · On-site

  • 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 ...

Unitech Training Academy

Daycare Cook/Janitor

Alexandria, LA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Cook/Janitor Schedule: Full-time Hourly Position For My Child Learning Center is a skills-based and center-structured early learning environment guided by developmentally appropriate practices. The ...

Kids 'R' Kids

Part Time (2pm to 6pm) Kitchen Help

Frisco, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

A daycare cook prepares, and serves nutritious meals and snacks for children while strictly adhering to food safety, sanitation, and allergy guidelines. Responsibilities include: managing kitchen ...

Unitech Training Academy

Daycare Cook/Janitor

Alexandria, LA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Cook/Janitor Schedule: Full-time Hourly Position For My Child Learning Center is a skills-based and center-structured early learning environment guided by developmentally appropriate practices. The ...

The Learning Experience - Bordentown

Preschool Cook

Bordentown, NJ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a daycare cook with us, you'll play a key role in making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and communities by cooking daily nutritious meals. Your role may also require some ...

The Learning Experience

Preschool Cook

Bordentown, NJ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a daycare cook with us, you'll play a key role in making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and communities by cooking daily nutritious meals. Your role may also require some ...

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How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in the United States is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 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.

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Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Daycare Cook / Bus Driver

Foundations Early Learning Center

Moncks Corner, SC • On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Daycare Cook Bus Driver
Join a Team That's Making a Difference!
Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for more than just a job? Come grow with us at Foundations Early Learning Center! We're a fast-growing, top-rated preschool company looking for dedicated, enthusiastic teachers to join our team.
At Foundations, we do things differently - our classrooms are alive with hands-on, STEAM-focused learning, and we invest just as much in our staff as we do in our students -- with generous PTO, birthday holiday, paid training, professional development, and tuition reimbursement.
With innovative new schools opening and continued expansion, now is the perfect time to join our team. Be part of a supportive, purpose-driven workplace where your passion and talent help shape young minds every day.
Position Available At: 126 Foxbank Plantation Blvd. Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Hourly Pay Range: $16-$17 per hour
Pay is determined by the level of education and years of experience. Pay increases with continued education, performance and years of service.
Cook Responsibilities:
  • Prepares and distributes meals/snacks for children and staff according to guidelines and provided menus.
  • Follows daily menu that incorporates USDA, licensing and/or health department regulations.
  • Ensures safe food preparations and proper sanitation methods are used and maintains a safe kitchen/pantry area.
  • Maintains inventory of food and supplies.
  • Must be willing to work in the classroom to cover breaks.
  • Transports children in a small bus to and from local elementary schools (and fieldtrips during summer months)

Requirements
    • Must be at least 21 years of age.
    • High school diploma or equivalent required.
    • Must have clean driving record (no more than 2 violations in the last 5 years)
    • Previous experience transporting children in a commercial vehicle or working in licensed childcare or afterschool program preferred
    • Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for large group food service, preferably in a childcare center
    • Serv Safe preferred.
    • Ability to pass background checks & health assessments.
    • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Benefits
Highlights From Our Stellar Benefits:
Competitive Pay:
  • Regular pay increases
  • Same day pay available

Insurance Package:
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield medical, dental & vision
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Employee wellness program
  • Optional programs like Aflac and short-term disability insurance

Education Support:
  • Paid trainings & professional development
  • Up to 95% FREE tuition for CDA, associate's, bachelor's or master's programs with the TEACH program. Eligible bonuses could push the amount of funding to over 100%.

Additional Perks:
  • Discounted childcare
  • Paid time off
  • Birthday holiday
  • Monday-Friday schedule
  • Additional paid time off with years of service
  • Employee discounts on major brands like Verizon
  • Unlimited growth opportunities

Build your future with Foundations-apply today!
www.foundationselc.com
About Foundations Early Learning Center:
We help children reach their full potential, with school readiness, socialization, literacy, problem-solving, self-esteem and other life skills at the center of our focus. Foundations provides premier infant, toddler, preschool, Pre-K, school-age, and summer camp programs for children 6 weeks to 12 years. Our programs utilize the nationally-recognized, award-winning Creative Curriculum® with a focus on STEAM in our classrooms.
Our Vision: Empowering children to realize their full potential.
Our Mission: To enrich children's lives through meaningful, innovative early learning experiences.
Foundations is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Foundations follows state and federal labor laws. Follow the links below to learn about Discrimination, FMLA, and Polygraph protections. Information on additional employee rights can be found posted at each school.
Discrimination Information
FMLA Information
Polygraph Test Information

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